Cornelia "Connie" Callahan

Cornelia Callahan, 80, of Brookline, MA passed away on Feb. 22, 2024, after a sudden illness. She was the life of every party, and she loved her family and friends very deeply. 

Cornelia was born in Manchester, NH, on July 24, 1943, the daughter of Cornelius and Margaret “Peg” (Phelan) Callahan. She is predeceased by her beloved parents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom she treasured.

Cornelia is survived by her sister Mary Lou (Callahan) Knepple of Exeter whose care Cornelia has lovingly provided for many years. Her devotion to her sister was unmatched. She graduated from Manchester High School West and from Notre Dame College with a degree in Education. In fact, education was a passion of Cornelia’s and she made it her life’s work having first taught in Bedford for several years, and then in the Boston Public School system for 30 years. Serving as an example to her students, she took classes at night to earn a master’s degree. She never stopped learning or teaching, even in retirement.

Throughout life, Cornelia was an avid golfer and loved to play cards, especially Bridge and Euchre. She spent many summers on Hampton Beach with a circle of close friends and family, where her birthday celebrations were legendary. Her 80^th birthday was a summer-long event, capped by a river cruise with loved ones. She loved to travel, and she loved to cheer for the Red Sox and Patriots.

Upon retirement, she spent parts of the winter in Bradenton, Florida. Cornelia made friends across the country but held a special bond with her friends in Boston and Bradenton. 

There are far too many friends and cousins to list here. She never missed an event, whether it was a wedding, graduation or birthday. Incredibly proud of her Irish heritage her St Patty’s Day parties were legendary. While she didn’t have children, she treated the children of her cousins and friends as if they were her own.

Cornelia was many things to all who knew her. She was vibrant, blunt and hilarious. She had a heart of gold and above all else, she was loyal.

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North St. will be Friday, March 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 9, at 10am in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Wounded Warriors project.