Mary Ann Callaghan

Mary Ann Callaghan, 67, of Hilliard, Ohio passed away Thursday September 25th, concluding a journey that she, never one for clichés, referred to as “an imperfect cha-cha” with a brain tumor.

She leaves behind her husband of 42 years, Joseph Patrick Callaghan Jr., and son Brady Robert Callaghan.

Mary Ann was born in Fostoria, Ohio, the daughter of Norman and Jeanne (Knepper) Deer. Following their untimely deaths, she was lovingly raised by her Aunt and Uncle, Robert F. and Jewell (Hall) Deer, whose two children, John and Roberta, became her siblings.

Mary Ann graduated from Fostoria High School in 1976. She moved to Columbus, Ohio and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Otterbein University, and later a Master’s degree from Ohio State University.

Mary Ann held leadership positions in higher education institutions including Capital University, Ohio Dominican University, Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and Ohio State University before starting a long and successful career as a real estate professional in 2002.

Mary Ann delighted in building lasting relationships in her professional and personal life.

A graceful conversationalist and intent listener, she was keenly interested in everyone’s unique story. Proficient with disarming questions that yielded seemingly unrelated details she would piece together before imparting her quiet wisdom.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, adoptive parents, sister Roberta Deer, nephew Randy Deer, and her mother-in-law Carolyn Callaghan with whom she shared a distinctive motherly bond.

And, not to be forgotten, two beautiful and hilarious Lhasa Apsos. Francis, “the dog only a mother could love”, and her “best dog-boy, Shammy” Shamrock, both of whom are remembered bounding from their beds and heading joyously to the door when Mom got home, always staying close by her side.

In addition to Patrick and Brady, Mary Ann is survived by her father-in-law Joseph Patrick (Ruth) Callaghan Sr.; brother John Deer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Phil (MaryBeth) Callaghan, Cindy (Tom) Hickey, and John (Jackie) Callaghan; treasured nieces and nephews Tony (Theresa) Harvey, Lee (Keleen) Deer, Jody (Mike) Davies, Shawn (Luanne) Deer, John Deer, Rory Deer, Megan (Travis) Polk, Nicole (Dan) Sabol, Nathan Hickey, Darrin Wilson, Leah, Cole, and Will Callaghan, Jack and Sadie Callaghan; and grand-nephews Hunter and Graham Polk.

Patrick and Brady would like to thank, as they know Mary Ann would, the friends and family that comprised her “awesome circle of intimates” who provided continuous support, visits, and long-distance connection week in, week out, transforming devastating news into a twenty nine month-long testament of companionship and love.

Mary Ann’s dance was made possible and sustained by the skilled, steadfast, unflinching care of nurses. Cindy Hickey and Laura Martin kept the music playing from day one of her journey. Her final act was also graced by two indispensable hospice professionals, Tyler and Cassie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday September 30th at Schoedinger Dublin 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43017, officiated by Reverend Mary Harris, Mary Ann’s longtime friend and personal pastor. The Celebration of Life will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend on the Schoedinger website. A period of visitation will follow from 5 to 7 p.m.

A private burial will be held at Wesley Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary Ann's name may be made to The MoMM Foundation, 986 Arcadia Blvd., Westerville, Ohio, 43082. Kindly designate your wish for the donation to be used for either local needs through the MoMM Foundation or for furthering research for brain cancer by designating on your check "Local" or "Brain Research."