May Callaghan

CALLAGHAN, May (nee Pirie)


May Callaghan, nee Pirie, passed peacefully October 12th at St. Lawrence Lodge, Brockville, Ontario.

May was born to Robert and Ina Pirie on April 28th, 1922, in Glasgow, Scotland, younger sister to brothers Robin and Ian.

May was awarded for her academic achievements throughout her schooling and was a talented painter as well. She entered the British Army at the age of 19 and became a radar plotter on the south coast of England as part of the famous Watson Watts’ radar defense team. It was during this time that she met her future husband James (Jim) Callaghan, a radar installation technician with the Canadian Army.

May and Jim were married on Sept 6th, 1945 before she emigrated to Canada to begin a family that totaled 9 children; 6 boys and 3 girls.

In addition to raising her family, May earned a degree in Criminal Psychology while working at Vanier Reformatory for Women. She spent the last 10 years of her working life as a Special Needs Counselor at Canada Employment Services, retiring in 1987.

May spent her retirement years enjoying her extended family, reading, doing crosswords puzzles, travelling and gardening on her balcony overlooking Lake Ontario. She enjoyed drives in the country, shopping and good conversation.

May is survived by her children Chris (Joan Skrins), Jill (Don Ross), Wendy, Susan (Mel Magalas), Kevin (Cheryl), and Greg, in addition to many cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. May is predeceased by husband James and sons Timothy, Michael, and Peter (Maureen).

A very special thank you to the loving staff at St. Lawrence Lodge who took care of May for the final 2 ½ years of her life as dementia took hold.