Obituary of Kathryn Josephine Flanagan Callan

VALATIE – Generous, kind, and beautiful, Kathryn Callan shuffled off this mortal coil in the wee hours of October 27, 2022, at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY. Born on May 20, 1948, in Mt. Kisco, NY, Kate grew up in Brewster, NY, where she attended St. Lawrence O’Toole Elementary School. She attended St. Mary’s High School in Katonah, NY, and completed a year of studies at Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. She later took classes at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT, where she met Thomas Grimason (1943-1994). They married in 1969. Their daughter Sarah was born in 1970. After divorcing Tom, Kate worked for many years as a secretary in the Department of Music and Theatre at the State University of New York at Albany, the perfect position for a lifetime lover of Shakespeare. Intelligent and insightful, she was much admired by her work colleagues and enjoyed her work greatly. While working there, Kate completed her bachelor’s degree in English. She married Peter Callan in 1983, with whom she enjoyed traveling to Paris, France, to visit her mother-in-law. In 1986, she gave birth to a son, Joseph. The daughter of Dorothy (Mygan) and Joseph Flanagan, who predeceased her, she took on the role of family historian, uncovering many amusing anecdotes about her Irish ancestors through her research. She also managed the family photo archives. Everyone looked forward to the celebratory email messages and photos that Kate posted on each family member’s birthday. Kate was a seeker and freely shared her explorations of physical/mental/emotional health, spirituality, and recipes with family and friends. She made the best soy burgers and spinach quiche, believed strongly in giving gifts and supporting charitable causes, and brought the party to any gathering, in the form of hats, bubbles, and games. Kate was the loving mother of Sarah (Grimason) Westcott (Aaron) and Joseph Callan; the treasured sister of Dorothy, Patricia, and Anna Flanagan; the “fun aunt” of Kimberly Markel, Jennifer Hart, and Jason Hart, who predeceased her; and an indulgent “Jahgee” (grandmother) to Emma, Asher, and Ben Westcott. She has joined grandson Tommy Westcott on the other side, and no doubt found Batman, Pongee, Aidan, Cindy, and many other pets waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge. Memorial contributions to AnimalKind in Hudson, NY, or Little Brook Farm in Old Chatham, NY, would be a lovely tribute to this passionate animal lover. Cremation took place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. The family has chosen to honor Kate in a private way. To leave a special message for the family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com