Mary Helen Callahan, Feb. 1, 2012

10:37 a.m., Feb. 3, 2012--Mary Helen Callahan, 69, of Newark, Del., died peacefully at her home on Feb. 1, surrounded by her family.

She worked for more than 30 years at the University of Delaware as a member of the professional staff in the then College of Urban Affairs and in the Dean's Office of its successor, the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy. She also was executive director of the Urban Affairs Association for 25 years. She was past president of the League of Women Voters and sang in various University choral groups, most recently the Schola Cantorum. 

Born in Alexandra, Va., she studied at Radcliffe College and earned her MAT Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Upon moving to Newark, she began GED teaching and soon after that joined the staff at UD. 

A member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, she was a member of the Vestry, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for many years. She enjoyed travelling, visiting five continents, was an avid reader and enjoyed the company of her children and grandsons.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Raymond A. Callahan, professor emeritus of history at UD; a daughter, Sarah Callahan of Washington, D.C.; a son, Brian Callahan and his wife Shannon of Newark; two grandchildren, Aidan and Shaun Callahan of Newark; two brothers, Jack McPeek of Boston and Miles McPeek and his wife Carole Dwyer of Ewing, N.J., and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service honoring her life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 South College Ave., Newark. Burial will be private. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Schola Cantorum, in care of R.T. Foard and Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main St., Newark, DE 19711. 

Online condolences maybe left at the R.T. Foard and Jones website.