Shirley Ann Callanan

Shirley Ann Callanan - 91, a longtime resident of Weeks Street and most recently Gage Street in Bennington, VT, passed away peacefully at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington on Friday February 24, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was born in North Adams, MA on September 26, 1931, the daughter of Phillip and Cecelia (Galipeau) Pugliese. Shirley received her education in North Adams and was a graduate of Drury High School. Shirley married Niles Callanan at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in North Adams on February 14, 1953. Mr. Callanan died on December 23, 1976. Shirley had a never-ending, unselfish love and deep devotion for her family. She loved attending sporting events and enjoyed many family holidays and celebrations. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, embroidering and crossword puzzles. In earlier years Shirley was employed at Sprague Electric, Union Carbide Corporation, Bijur Lubricating, Ben Mont Paper, Cap-Tan Color & Molly Stark School all in Bennington. She also operated her own daycare business from her home. Shirley is survived by her children, Michael Callanan, Allison King (Terry), Leslie Mahar (Michael), Kevin Callanan (Bonnie), Christopher Callanan (Lisa), Cathleen Callanan (William), Niles Callanan (Sarah) and Laura Callanan all of Bennington, 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her cat Bella who was always close by her side. Shirley is also survived by a brother, Robert Pugliese, and a sister, Mary Lesperance, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by a son, Michael Anthony “Tony” Callanan, a brother, Phillip Pugliese and two sisters, Joan George and Norma Fletcher. Shirley was a former member of the Catholic Daughters of America at Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington. Friends may call at the Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington on Wednesday March 1, 2023 from 4-6 PM. A memorial will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM. A private burial will take place in the family lot at Park Lawn Cemetery. If friends desire, contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Vermont Chapter of the American Cancer Society through the office of the Mahar Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201.