Margaret "Peg" Howland Callahan

Margaret Howland Callahan, ‘Peg’, 75, passed away at her residence in Nutley, N.J., on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer. Services were private. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Irvine-Cozzarelli Memorial Home, 276 Washington Avenue, Belleville, New Jersey, www.irvinecozzarelli.com  or call 973.759.1114.                  

Born in Nutley, Peg was a lifelong resident of the community. She attended Saint Mary’s Grammar School, Nutley, N.J., and Nutley High School. She continued her education at Caldwell College, Caldwell, N.J., receiving degrees in the Fine Arts and English. Peg continued her post graduate studies at Caldwell College pursuing course material relevant to the advancement of her personal and professional careers, enjoying the academic life well into her retirement.

She was successful in the fields of education, medical office management, and as a staff member of the Grad Partnership, assisting in the development plans of the Meadowlands Project.

She advocated and lent her strength to advancing a greater social consciousness and vigorously fostered the Civil Rights Platform. A loyal activist, Peg promoted the Women’s Rights Movement, not only in thought but in her deeds and examples, physically participating at rallies and demonstrations.

A favorite vacation trip she would recall was backpacking through Ireland an experience that provided many refreshing memories. Subsequent trips were made with friends to Cape Cod, Massachusetts where she favored the Irish Village experience.

A descriptive of Peg’s personality would characterize her as a humanist, intelligent and a balanced individual who approached life with an irrefutable honesty that was at once magnetic and endearing.

Peg was patient and respectful, yet firm in her convictions. A strong and independent woman, she did not permit life’s circumstances to dictate to her destiny, possessing a pleasing demeanor, she was an engaging conversationalist. She understood the privilege of friendship and in turn was a valued friend. Peg was an individual with a good sense of humor, a fan of “Queen”, a creative and voracious reader. She was an avid gardener, taking great pride in the cultivation of her home garden, admired for the well-tended flourish of its plantings.

Peg decided, after the birth of her son Jonathan, to remain at home and educate, culture, and nurture her son for a successful life; afterwards, she returned to her professional career.

A Celebration of Peg’s Life and the formation of a Scholarship in her name will be announced, in the near future.

Peg was the beloved wife of Ralph, the devoted mother of Jonathan, and is also survived by Norton the loyal family dog.

Dearest Peg,

Beyond the zenith of time our love remains true.

Ralph and Jonathan.

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