Denise Anne (Duggan) Callahan

Denise Anne (Duggan) Callahan of Salisbury passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024. Born in Newburyport on September 8,1940, she was the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Stella A. (McGlew) Duggan. She married her loving husband Joe Callahan on June 1, 1963 and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together.

Denise graduated from Newburyport High School in 1958. She attended Northeastern University and the University of New Hampshire before receiving her Bachelor’s in Education from Salem State College and then her Master’s in Education from Boston State College. She worked in local school systems as a substitute teacher and special needs teacher for many years.

She discovered her true calling while caring for her mother-in-law, Katherine, and returned to school to earn her Associate RN degree from Northern Essex Community College. She worked at Salem Hospital and Anna Jaques Hospital as a psychiatric nurse for many years.

Denise’s greatest joy was babysitting her grandchildren when they were little and attending all of their concerts, games, plays, and other special events over the years. She loved riding her bike on the Eastern Marsh Rail Trail and around town. Denise was an avid reader; enjoyed knitting and quilting; and loved to travel.

She volunteered at the information desk in Anna Jaques Hospital for many years with her dear friend Phyllis Forsander. She also volunteered at the AJH Children’s Psychiatric Unit and the Amesbury Council on Aging. Over the years she was a member of the Sandy Page Doll Club, the Newburyport Choral Society, the Daughters of Isabella, and the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee. She also enjoyed monthly lunches with her NHS class of ‘58 friends.

Denise is survived by her beloved husband Joe Callahan; her daughters Patricia Pearce and her husband Patrick, who were also her caretakers; Mary Hopkins; and Margaret Callahan. She is also survived by her grandson Patrick Hopkins; her granddaughter Leah Collins and her husband Ryan; her sister-in-law Catherine Duggan; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her dear brother Gerald Duggan; sister-in-law Margaret (Sister Catherine Leo SCN) Callahan; and son-in-law Brian Hopkins.

The family extends special thanks to the entire staff at the Port Healthcare Center and Harborside Hospice. Your outstanding care and compassion for Denise and support of her family is greatly appreciated and will always be remembered. We also thank her many friends and neighbors for all their love and support over the years.

Donations can be made in Denise’s memory to the Salisbury Public Library (https://www.salisburylibrary.org/donate.html). Services will be private.