Ann Marie "Nancy" (Kelleher) McCallum, 80, of Medford, passed peacefully on September 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of 58 years to Robert R. McCallum, devoted mother of Linda (McCallum) Salamone and her loving companion John Flaherty, Robert McCallum, Jr., and his wife Sandra (Kilduff) McCallum, and Kristin (McCallum) Moutevelis and her husband Dr. George Moutevelis. Loving Nana of Alexa, Nicholas, Peter, Olivia, Zachary, Katelin, Michael, Samantha, Bobby, and Kevin. Dear sister of Rita (Kelleher) Swadel and her husband Frank Swadel, Mary (Kelleher) Mooney and her late husband Peter Mooney, and the late Thomas Kelleher and his surviving wife Claire (Sugden) Kelleher, Richard Kelleher and Kathleen (Kelleher) Pacheco. Caring sister-in-law of Linda and Theodore Sullivan. Nancy is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Born in Somerville on January 16, 1943, Nancy grew up with her 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Somerville in 1961. Nancy and Bob met ice skating at Lincoln Park in Somerville while on a double date with Nancy’s sister Rita and Bob’s best friend Frank. As Nancy struggled to stand up on her skates, Bob held onto her tight and never let go; in 1965 they were married. Soon after, they welcomed their wonderful children Linda, Bobby, and Kristin. In between raising her 3 children, Nancy enjoyed playing in women’s golf leagues and bowling leagues with friends. Professionally, she dedicated 25 years to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts at The Merit Rating Board before retiring in 2002.
Her culinary expertise, skill at needlepoint and knitting, and green thumb in gardening were all testaments to Nancy’s creative spirit. Most family gatherings would include her delicious clam chowder, tons of laughter, and at least one round of her favorite card game SCAT. Gift-giving was a special joy of hers, she often surprised friends and family with unexpected yet perfect presents, many of which she personally crafted.
She and Bob migrated with the seasons - winters in sunny Delray Beach, Florida, and summers at the Cape, where they loved to welcome their children and grandchildren and many cherished family memories were made. Nancy will be remembered most for being a sanctuary of warmth and love. She was quick with her wit, her laughter was infectious, and she had the ability to make you feel as though you were the only person in the room.
Above all, Nancy's legacy lies in her dedication to her family and the joy she took in being a Nana. Nancy had a special and unique bond with each grandchild, and all the children had their own relationship with her. Being a grandmother filled her heart, it filled her soul, her grandchildren were her world. Through this bond, her family will continue to honor her by living their lives to the fullest.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Nancy's family at St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, Tuesday, September 26th from 10 to 11 AM with a Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Nancy's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.