Vivian E. Callahan

Mom, a child of the South, grew up on a farm near a small town in Georgia with five brothers. Being the only girl she learned to take care of people. She left her home to join the USO. In Texas she met our father Gordon S. Callahan “Kelly”. They made a good choice and married. Three children Gloria, “My oldest daughter”, Jerry 9 years later “My son” and the following year Chloe, “My youngest daughter”. Dad was in the Army for 21 years they lived in many places on a military income. What did Mom do while dad was being a soldier? She was a “Homemaker” she cleaned; she had us walking on newspapers for many days after she had scrubbed the floors on her hands and knees. As for laundry, everything we wore but our underwear was ironed. “Imagine that”, She made clothes for us and curtains for our home and she fed us and as you can see she fed us well. “You’re not leaving this table until you’ve cleaned your plate” she would say. The mystery to me is how you did that as the last bite of mashed potatoes went into your mouth and the next scoop went onto your plate.

Things that made her happy were all and any plants and flowers . Her green thumb was amazing. Dad enjoyed having a grandchild pick her flowers and take them to her, her reaction was not always gratitude. She taught herself to crochet while in Japan for something to do. We got the throws, vests, dollies, scarves and hats. But best of all was the baby blankets, tiny booties, hats, and sweaters. A perfect day for Mom -- she cooks, we eat everything on our plate, clean-up and then just be together. Every year there was a new kitchen appliance out and Mom has it. She is well known at Lowes for her collection of refrigerators.

This isn’t meant to be a history. Mom had other activities and interests and it’s not all meant to be about food but did have seven desserts on Easer. She has nine great grandchildren perhaps some of them share the same favorites. These are just thoughts that make me smile. I once saw Mom eat a whole, self picked fresh from the field watermelon all by her self after proclaiming it to be her watermelon. I’m still amazed at that. Everyday wasn’t wonderful Mom had something called a “Shit List” it was never a good idea to try to get to the top of the list.

We all have our own memories, our own stories and they go on and on. But there is just one more I want to share. “Vivian” has always been a hard word for any small child to say, she became Aunt We We, Kelley her oldest grandchild as a small child was talking to “Grandma We We” one day and suddenly she became “Grandma Weiner” A Weiner she became and she has stayed a Weiner. She always loved it always made her smile. I suspect years from now when her great grandchildren are asked her name they will have to go to their parents for the answer. Other grandchildren are Tracy (Toby) Yamamoto and Matthew Callahan. Great-grandchildren are, Storey E. Stadler, Zachary M. Callahan, Madison Stadler, Alexandria Callahan, Connor Callahan, Jack Yamamoto, Nate Yamamoto, Alaynah Callahan, and Will Yamamoto

So Mom who’s having Thanksgiving this year? We all are. We’re thankful for you; for the many years of good health you had, the way you treated us, our family, our friends. The memories you have given your grandchildren and great grandchildren. For keeping us connected to our roots our family in Georgia. We are thankful that you raised us to be strong, supportive and to work while you have been ill. We are thankful for many other things-but it’s time to say good-bye not with you knowing that we will take care of each other.

Gloria, Jerry and Chloe

Funeral Service will be held on Friday October 26, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. Alexander Funerla Home 11101 St. Charles Rock Road

St. Ann, MO 63074. Interment to follow at National Cemtery Jefferson Barracks. Visitation Thursday October 25, 2012 4:00-8:00 P.M.