The family of Ina Callahan would like to express our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to relatives, friends, and neighbors for their kindness, love and support.

Thank you to all who contributed donations in mom's memory, prepared meals, sent flowers, made phone calls, sent cards, emails, and visited. We appreciate it so very much.

Thank you to Pastor Simms and Pastor Grimes for the lovely service.  Also, thank-you to Country Haven Funeral Home (Dwayne Parsons and Chelsea Hackett) for your kindness and compassion.

Thank-you to the nursing staff of WMRH and Long Term Care Home (1st floor) for your compassionate and professional care you all have given to Mom.

On Friday September 1st, 2023 the stars dimmed and the earth stood still for a heartbeat as the soul of Ina Bessie Maude Callahan (nee Howell) left us at the age of 82 for her eternal home.

Ina leaves to mourn her siblings: Bruce, Les, Ruth, Judy and Patricia.  Mom was surrounded by her children who she loved dearly: Wanda, Mary, Dale, Brian, Todd, Darlene, Rose (deceased), Tammy, Joanne and Danielle over the past few days.  Her 25 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren were always with her during her journey. Her name is Ina, meaning Mother or Home in Old Welsh; although other words used for her were Gentle Woman, Protector, Tolerant, Accepting and even Father.

At 82, Ina had seen many phases to her life.  From swimming in the bay at Curling, stealing horses for late night rides as a young woman, building a home for her 10 children and then sharing her bed with her grandchildren and great grandchildren to whom she was: Nanny, Nana, Nan, Gigi, and Grandma.  She had a full life and was thoroughly loved by four men: Peter, Nelson, Don and Jeff all of whom we also mourn.  Ina was a woman of deep faith and spirituality.  She explored her relationship with God as a United, Catholic, Salvation Army, and finally, Pentecostal.

The family thanks Fay, her longtime caregiver and friend, and the staff at the Western Long-Term Care, Birchview Home for their wonderful attention to Mom.

There will be a visitation held on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 at Country Haven Funeral Home from the hours of 7-9 PM, from where the funeral service will take place at 11 AM on Monday, September 4th, 2023 at the Westside Tabernacle with Pastor Grimes and Pastor Simms officiating. Interment to follow at Mount Patricia Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, a donation can be made in Mom's memory to a local charity or Westside Tabernacle.

"Many women have done excellently, but you have surpassed them all"
Proverbs 31:29.