She was an artist, entrepreneur, kickboxer, hula hoop enthusiast, animal lover and a gifted caretaker of young children. Callie graduated from Tapestry Charter School and was working toward her second associate degree at Villa Maria. She was recently inducted into the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and she had plans to pursue an education and career in childcare, and to continue to share her joy and love through her art.
She bravely battled epilepsy for most of her 25 years of life, and never let her challenges get in the way of living a full, joyful and active life. She was a bright light and source of happiness to everyone who knew her, and her warmth, courage and humor were inspiring. Callie donated her organs, and several have already been used to save other people’s lives.
Callie is survived by her parents, Nancy Irwin and John Craik of Buffalo, a loving brother, MacKeever, a close cousin, Ted Tiftickjian, her maternal grandparents, Daniel and Dorothy Irwin, many aunts and uncles and lots of cousins.
The celebration of Callie's life will take place on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a brief ceremony starting at 11:30 at the Buffalo Club, 388 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Villa Maria College Library Fund or the Epilepsy Association of Western New York.
