Mrs. Susan Saabye (Spitzer) Callahan, 64 of 18 Lorraine Street, Barrington, RI and formerly of Clinton, NY and Norwalk, CT, died peacefully Monday, July 3, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She passed wearing pink, and her bright and lively spirit stayed with her until her very last breath.
Susan was the wife of Richard F. Callahan for 40 years. In addition to her husband, she leaves three daughters; Laura Saabye Callahan Almeida (and her husband, Michael) of Bristol, RI, Allison Rose Callahan (and her fiancé, Brian) of West Greenwich, RI and Meghan Susan Callahan Harris (and her husband, Frank) of Rehoboth, MA and cousins; Ellen, Emmy, Ben, Jane, Ann, Ellie, George, Laura, Diana and Craig.
Born and raised in Norwalk, CT, she was a daughter of the late Frederick Louis and Gertrude (Saabye) Spitzer. As an only child she spent time with her cousins as though they were her brothers and sisters. She had great admiration for her Aunts, Sis and Mare, and great love for her lifelong friend, Abigail Cole.  Susan received her Bachelor’s Degree from Keene State University in 1974 and previously attended Green Mountain Junior College, where her passion for helping people transformed her life path.
A resident of Clinton, NY for 20 years, Susan was a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker Sexton in Clinton. She was a member and past president of the Clinton Garden Club, as well as a member and past president of the Clinton Sports Booster Club. She was a member of the Yahnundasis Ladies Golf League and Seven Oaks Ladies Golf League. An avid tennis player, she was also a member of the Shore and Country Club Ladies Tennis League and enjoyed her tennis matches in New York with friends. Her friends will recall the streak of pink rushing to the net as well as to the “martha-ritas” afterwards. She truly enjoyed her time at Shore and Country Club in Norwalk where she celebrated her wedding, relaxed with her daughters, and made many life-long friends. Susan enjoyed many happy moments with her family and friends on the tennis court, golf course, and most of all, the beach. Memorial Day and July 4th parties, where her red, white and blue outfits were the envy of most, were some of her happiest moments: Fireworks were her favorite. At most events, her wardrobe emitted her feelings, loud and proud, of who or whatever she was supporting!
Susan spent countless hours volunteering at her daughters’ activities and community events. She never missed a sporting event, recital, birthday party or any other event her daughters might have been involved in- although she may have been a few minutes late to all of them! In keeping with her volunteer spirit, she was also a former Girl Scout Leader, Norwalk Seaport Association Volunteer, and part of the Women’s Giving Circle at Mohawk Valley Health Services.
There will be two celebrations of her life— one in Clinton, NY and one in Norwalk, CT. In Clinton, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday July 13th at 4:30pm at Across the Row Bistro located at 8 E Park Row in Clinton, NY. In Norwalk, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday July 30th at Noon at Shore and Country Club located at 220 Gregory Blvd. in Norwalk, CT. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Women’s Giving Circle at St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation or the Norwalk Seaport Association. For donations to the Women’s Giving Circle, please note “Susan’s Wish” in the memo and mail donations to: The MVHS Foundation Office, Attn: Michele Adams, 1676 Sunset Ave. Utica, NY 13502. For donations to the Norwalk Seaport Association, please note “Memory of Susan Callahan” in the memo and mail to: 132 Water St. Norwalk, CT 06854.



 

 Service Information