Duane Callahan

Duane Callahan passed away peacefully around

3: 00 PM on November 25th 2020. Duane was born on January 30th 1942 in Kansas City Missouri. Her father was an officer on a mine sweeper in the Navy. Duty called so they moved to San Diego, CA. He was deployed to clear harbors and routes in WWII. The family soon realized that California was to be their lifelong home.

In conclusion of WWII they moved to the idyllic suburb of Los Angeles called La Habra Heights. She graduated from La Habra High School in 1959. Her mom was a teacher. She lived a wonderful childhood. She raised and cared for her horse Pepper, on her property that she rode daily. She loved her country, California and especially the west. Upon graduating from high school Duane and several classmates went to Europe for a six- week vacation. This started her lifelong love and passion of travel which she shared with so many. Returning from Europe she attended Humboldt State University. By her Junior year she found a way back to Europe and spent another year in Orleans, France, as clerk on a US army base.

When returning from France she moved to San Francisco to work for the architectural firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill that designed the Bank of America building among others. She loved her job and gained a fondness for the city, restaurants and culture. The friends she made in her youth in the city were still friends of hers for life.

In 1971 she gave birth to identical twin boys Austin and Marshall Johnson. She adored every moment with them. In 1974, she met Don Callahan, the love of her life. They married in 1979. Don and Duane were a perfect match. They raised great kids and traveled. Starting with exotic trips hosted by State Farm. Memorable trips filled with love and laughter through Italy, Switzerland, Hawaii, France and other destinations. They organized dinner parties, trips, and even had a group they called the Gourmet Pigs where they rented Castles and Villas in places like Italy and France. Together they forged amazing lifelong friendships.

Grandchildren blessed her life 19 years ago and she established the importance of travel and being together as a family. For 15 years she organized amazing trips and the most memorable adventures. Trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, San Diego, Alaska and more. She became our beloved Meme. The most amazing wife, mom, and grandmother. Creating experiences and memories her family will never forget.

In addition, Don and Duane were over 20 years active members of the Yosemite Conservancy. ( Next time you hike in Yosemite look for their name on a trailhead sign.) She was also a secretary with Hospice of the East Bay, where she dedicated time to raise money and support their work. Duane was an amazing florist, gourmet cook, and loved to be outdoors hiking admiring the wildflowers and nature. She was amazing at everything that held her passion.

Our loss is far reaching. Those that were blessed to have our Duane, our Meme in their life know this tremendous loss for all. It was too soon. Although, we know deep down that we were all just lucky to have her as long as we did in our lives. We will be forever touched by her love and the joy and happiness she brought to our world.

She is survived by her adoring family. Her husband Don of Alamo CA. Son Marshall, daughter- in- law Robin, granddaughter Ashley and grandson Jake, of Reno, NV. Son Austin, daughter- in- law Linda, granddaughters Elsa and Marcella of Novato CA. Daughter Lori, son- in- law Hank, and granddaughter Sierra of Livermore CA. Son Chris of Kenya Africa.

The family will have a small private gathering at the family home on December 12th. When the pandemic is over, we will have a “Celebration of Duane’s Life” with friends and family. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice of the East Bay 925- 887- 5678, or the Yosemite Conservancy 415434- 1782.