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Ruth Callahan, 99

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Ruth Grace (West) Callahan, 99 of Bennington, VT and a former longtime resident of North Adams, MA Died Tuesday January 12, 2021 in Bennington.

She was born in North Adams, MA on July 9, 1921, a daughter of George Joseph and Grace May (Bullett) West. She attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1939. Ruth was last employed as Senior Cashier-Clerk in the treasurer's office for the Town of Williamstown. Before that, she had worked at the Alton Perry Insurance Agency and had assisted her brothers in the operation of West's Variety Store and Mohawk Valley Aviation. She was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Ruth was an active volunteer with the Williamstown Women's Exchange and previously a member of the Women’s Guild at Our Lady of the Incarnation Church.

Ruth was fiercely devoted to her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a presence at many sporting events, dance recitals, and family celebrations for her grandchildren over the years. She was the consummate host of many holidays in a tiny galley kitchen where somehow she produced a magnificent feast that fed over 20 people. Her pie selection was legendary and grandchildren visiting the house would almost always be met with a plate of fresh brownies. In her later years, she made delicious chocolate peanut butter balls that live on in family tradition today thanks to Ruth’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth loved sitting out in the sun without a hint of sunscreen (don’t try this kids!) and enjoyed vacations on Cape Cod where she was known to give her grandchildren their first taste of ice cream. In her earlier years, she enjoyed spending time with her family and her future husband at Lake Lauderdale, NY. She was able to travel to Hawaii, Mexico and Ireland in her retirement. She was an avid reader who would relax at night with a novel or magazine and a strong cup of black coffee. For the last ten years, the wonderfully loving and caring staff at Brookdale Fillmore Pond became part of her extended family as well.

She was the widow of Michael Francis Callahan who died on March 20, 2011. They were married on May 2, 1942. Survivors include two daughters- Jane (Thomas) McGrath of North Adams and Patti (Rich) Mears of Arlington, VT and two sons- William Callahan of Burlington, VT and Thomas (Eileen) Callahan of Milton, MA. She also leaves eleven grandchildren including Kelly Fehlner, Colleen Finnerty, Sean McGrath, Corey Mears, Kara Mears, Erin Mears, Lucas Trono, Derek Trono, Brady Callahan, Brenna Callahan, and Devan Callahan; and seventeen great grandchildren including Abigail, Jack, and Claire Fehlner;, Kayla and Megan McGrath, Parker and Finn Trono; Chase, Sienna, Cora, and Camden Mears; Hugh Finnerty, Savannah, Noah, Jonah and Isaiah Callahan; and Traeson Trono; one sister- Gloria Patryn of Dalton, MA and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter in law- Mia Callahan; her great granddaughter- Grace Finnerty and three brothers and one sister- Lena West, George West, Charles West and Gordon West.

NOTICE: A private Liturgy of Christian Burial for Ruth Callahan will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Fillmore Pond Holiday Fund in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR S CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

FUNERAL INFO
A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.

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A long-time friend of my Mother Barbara Emery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
from: David Emery on: 01-19-2021

So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother Bill. Certainly lived a full life enjoying her many family members, friends, hobbies and travels. Kathy & I, as well as the rest of the Andersen clan, will keep you & your family in our thoughts and prayers. Peace🙏🏻
Henry
from: Henry P Andersenon: 01-15-2021

To the Callahan family, I worked with “Ruthie” many years and she always was so sweet and kind . We had a lot of giggles and her glasses were always dirty so we would clean them and laugh more. Loved her. I know it has been hard for the family for several years but know she loved all of you so much. Sending love. Holly
from: Holly Denaulton: 01-15-2021

Dear Bill and family, So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. 🙏🏽
from: Pauline Foucher McNicolon: 01-14-2021

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