Obituary of Sheelagh Anne Callaghan

It can be honestly said that the world lost a beautiful person on December 6, 2016. Sheelagh's beauty was not just in the physical form, but glowed from an abundance of generosity, compassion, love and more. Her devotion to family, friends and community was inspiring with a work ethic that left many exhausted in her wake. It was a glow that sadly faded with her loving sons and husband at her side. Born in Edmonton, Alberta on January 26, 1957, she was a fraternal twin to Maureen. Her elder siblings were Shauna, David, Tara and Glenda. At the time, Sheelagh’s father A.J. ‘Smokey’ Callaghan was an engineer with the Canadian Military. Her mother, J.A. ’Sandy’ Callaghan (ne MacLeod) was a nurse. In 1964 the still growing family ( with now Peter, Paul, Kelly & Kate) moved to Hampton NB where Smokey pursued his career, including serving as project manager for the construction of the Harbour Bridge in Saint John NB. A grand victorian home was waiting for them along the Kennebecasis river in Hampton and over time it became a hub of activity as any home with 10 children would. Adventures of all sorts live on and their re-telling has brought comfort in these recent days. Sheelagh returned to her place of birth when she went to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and studied Speech Pathology. Her father had suffered a stroke while she was at university and this brought on an interest in helping in the treatment of aphasia, from which her father suffered. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she decided to attend the University of New Mexico, completing a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. A professor there, Bruce Porch, was doing research in aphasia in which Sheelagh assisted. It was also at that time, attending a summer picnic on the banks of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, that she met her future husband, Peter. It was the machinations of Peter’s sister, Mary, also in the Masters program with Sheelagh, that brought them together as she was picnicking as well. Soon after the picnic, Sheelagh and Peter became an item. When Sheelagh completed her degree, she moved back to Calgary to work at the Children’s Hospital. Peter moved there a few months later after a brief time in Zaire, and they remained in Calgary for several years. After they were married, in Hampton in 1983, they moved back to Albuquerque and then set off on a bicycle trip from Greece to Ireland. They then set about the next chapter of their lives building countless friendships. They also had three boys born to them: Elijah, Sebastian and Dante. But however the pleasures of the Southwest seemed to surround them, Sheelagh felt a calling back to Canada. In 1992 they moved their young family to Sackville NB, and Sheelagh began her career in the schools around the Moncton area as a Speech Pathologist. In 1993 they bought their home on Pickard Place in Sackville and were soon building new friendships and discovering the bounty of the natural wonder of the area. But Sheelagh loved to dream for the future, and so a plan was hatched wherein the family went to live in France for half a year in 1999 and also visited Tanzania and the Canary Islands. Sackville remained a hub for all of them. Upon returning from their adventures, work continued but so did travel and having those from afar share in their home. Over time countless Rotary exchange students each lived for several months with the family. All three boys also went away as Rotary students (Elijah to Mexico, Sebastian to Brazil, Dante to Mexico) and this brought on more travel experiences for the parents. Sheelagh also became involved with numerous boards and committees with her professional work, as well as the Sackville Swim Club, The Once in a While Club, The Tantramar Outdoor Club, Knitting clubs, book clubs, Tantramar Family Resource Centre, and many other drives, fundraisers, etc. She was a woman in motion. She swam, biked, cross country skied, jogged, completed at least one triathlon, and frankly made people marvel at her abundance of energy. Two and a half years ago in what was a routine examination, the presence of ovarian cancer was discovered. In the struggle that ensued, her indomitable spirit and courage was evident for all to witness. She remained positive, generous, and as was her nature, continued to consider others before herself. She was an inspiration to all who knew here. However numerous surgeries, treatments and therapies could not save her. She was a testament to the higher virtues of humanity until the end. Her sons were steadfast in their love and devotion. Sheelagh is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by siblings: Shauna Callaghan of Toronto, David Callaghan of Toronto, Tara Callaghan of Antigonish, Glenda Callaghan of Hampton, Maureen Callaghan of Toronto, Peter Callaghan of Calgary, Paul Callaghan of Wolfville, Kelly Callaghan of Toronto and Kate Callaghan of Kingston. She is survived by her husband Peter Manchester and sons Elijah, Sebastian and Dante as well as numerous nieces and nephews. It is worth noting that she knit socks in time for probably all of them! The family would like to thank the extraordinary kindness and professionalism of the Extra Mural Health workers, her Doctor Cathy Johnston and all that assisted her throughout her illness. A service will be held at the Mount Allison Chapel at 3 pm, December 17th with a reception following at Cranewood. Donations are encouraged to Ovarian Cancer Canada. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville N.B. (506) 364-8188. On-line condolences & sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.