Mary Graham Callahan, a long-time resident of Columbia, died Friday the 19th of March. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Patrick F. Callahan and the devoted sister to the late Jean Graham Landgraf and John Edward Graham.
Born in 1929 in Greenville, SC. Mary studied at Furman University, and the Medical University of SC in Charleston. After completing her studies she worked as a hospital medical technologist in Greenville and Atlanta, GA before beginning to teach, and later to direct studies of Medical Technology at Midlands Technical College. In 1978 she earned a Masters of Public Health from the University of S. C.
Upon retiring from Midlands Technical College, Mary was awarded a Service Certificate from the State of South Carolina for her 24 years of loyal service.
Mary and Pat were long-time members of the Basilica of St. Peter. Mary helped the parish in many ways but most noted in her service in the choir and volunteering with the elementary school.
Mary loved living her Catholic faith, gardening, creating miniatures, exploring state parks, enjoying the mountains of North Carolina, learning S.C. history, and serving her neighborhood in many ways.
She was the beloved “adopted mother” for many international students studying at University of SC. Mary enveloped them in her heart and even traveled internationally to visit and witness their marriage.
Mary is survived by four nephews, John Landgraf of Texas, John Charles Graham of North Carolina, Charley Landgraf of Virginia, and Pete Landgraf of Texas; six nieces, Cindy LaJeunesse of California, Marie Mote of Texas, Donna Graham of Florida , Fran Svrcek of Texas, Betty Sulak of Michigan, and Phyllis Landgraf of Michigan; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Fowlkes of Columbia, S.C., Terry Hicks of Columbia, S.C., Libby Callahan of Pawleys Island, S.C., Janice McGinty of Pawleys Island, and Regina Graham of N.C.; brothers-in-law, Michael Callahan of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Tim Callahan of Michigan, and many international “adopted children”. Mary was preceded in death by brother-in-law Danny Callahan.
Mary will be missed by family, friends, and long-time neighbors.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Dunbar Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 7th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. Peter on Thursday, April 8th at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial gifts can be made to St. Peter's Catholic School, 1035 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 252-8285, or the Basilica of St. Peter.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
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