Sabra Lois Callan

Sabra Lois MacCullough Callan passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Palm Harbor, Florida after living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia for over 15 years. Even as the illness took its toll, the love she had given so freely through her music, her teaching, her friendships and her family remained undiminished in the hearts of all her knew her.

Born on October 27, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Sabra came to St. Petersburg as a young girl with her grandparents. She would call St. Petersburg and other parts of Pinellas County her home for most of her remarkable life. She graduated at age 16 from St. Petersburg High School before going on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of South Florida.

Sabra’s gifts were as broad as they were extraordinary. A classically trained musician, she devoted herself to the piano and organ. She first played the organ for services at Christ United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg at the age of 16. For over 20 years she was the primary organist at Pasadena Community Church. Her artistry extended beyond the church walls as she performed with the Florida Orchestra, the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of New York, and in one of the highlights of her career, with Barbra Streisand.

At home in the classroom as well as the keyboard she also served as a Professor of Accounting at the University of South Florida for over a decade, shaping the minds and careers of many students. She was also the liaison to the Student Accounting Organization chapter at USF.

Over the course of her life, Sabra’s journey took her across the country to Norfolk, Virginia, Miami and West Point, New York and to Largo but most of her life was spent in St. Petersburg.

In 1976, Sabra married the love of her life, Pat Callan, in her grandparents’ home in St. Petersburg. Their story began earlier in an accounting class at USF, perhaps an unusual genesis for an over 50 year love story. Pat survives her, a testament to a partnership built on shared love, friendship, trust and devotion. They traveled together to visit other countries, including South Korea, Germany, Austria, Greece. Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy. They enjoyed the friendship of a bridge group for many years.

Sabra’s faith was an important part of her life, guided by a thoughtful and progressive understanding of Christianity that emphasized compassion, inclusion and love. She and Pat led a Sunday School class at Pasadena Community Church utilizing a series called Living the Questions.

Sabra is survived by her four cherished children: Butch Davis (Deb), Valerie Worsham, Duncan Stroup (Jorie), and Whitney Mansell (Kevin) along with seven beloved grandchildren: Allie Worsham, Amanda Worsham, Ethan Davis, Tasi Mansell, Teddy Mansell, Connor Stroup and Eva Stroup.

Sabra will be remembered for her brilliance, her humor, her passion for music and learning, and the deep and abiding love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched – as a musician, teacher, mentor, wife and family matriarch.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 19, 2026 at 10:00 am. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs, 210 Grand Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes tributes in her memory to:

The Alzheimer’s Association. 225 North Michigan, FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633

OR

Women on the Way, 6605 5th Avenue North, SU 231, St. Petersburg, FL 33710