Claire Arlene Toole Callahan, formerly of Oxon Hill, Maryland and St. Petersburg, Florida, died after a long illness on October 20, 2011. Born November 1, 1924, and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Claire was the daughter of Jack and Kathryn Toole.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Cornelius "Neil" John Callahan III; her brother, Fred Toole; and her grandson, John Clement McGowan.

Claire graduated from Hope High School in Providence and attended Rhode Island Teacher's College. Prior to her marriage, she worked in Philadelphia and New York City. She and Neil retired to St. Petersburg, Florida, where they settled into an active and close-knit community of new friends. Claire especially looked forward to frequent family reunions.

A stay-at-home mother of four, Claire made friends easily and was known for her composure, kindness and steadfastness. She enjoyed playing tennis at Tantallon, swimming in the Florida mornings, traveling with her friends and family to places such as Italy, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean. Over the years, she joined friends for games of bridge, canasta, and bingo, and was an avid reader.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Margaret Toole of Warwick, Rhode Island; four children: Cornelius "Neil" John Callahan IV and his wife, Lenore, of St. Pete Beach, Florida; John Kevin Callahan and his wife, Judy, of Arnold, Maryland; Kathryn Ann McGowan and her husband, Jack, of Waldorf, Maryland; and Mary Patricia Callahan and her husband, Jim Powers, of Seattle. Claire was proud of her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and she was blessed with a multitude of good friends wherever she lived.

The family will receive guests on Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 10-11 AM Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church (100 Village Street, Waldorf, MD 20602) where a funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM with Fr. Alain Colliou officiating.

For those so inclined, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (6931 Arlington Road, 2nd Floor, Bethesday, MD 20814) OR the Alzheimer's Association Southern Maryland Office (PO Box 1889, La Plata, MD 20646).

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.