SAUGERTIES, NY – Colleen Callaghan of Saugerties NY, January 20th 1952 – August 18th 2009. Colleen Callaghan’s story is one of a lifetime of strength in a hard fight against cancer, and the glory of a great woman who touched the hearts of everyone around her.
Her husband John Callaghan of Rosendale NY, with Colleen by his side, lost his fight with cancer in 1980. After a marriage to Donald Schoonmaker III and the birth of their son Evan, Colleen was tragically diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1991 and given less than a year to live.
Having seen its results, Colleen forsook any form of chemotherapy, opting instead general medicine, many forms of eastern medicine, diet and faith. Her determination carried her through 18 years of happy life. In that time she was able to see her son through high school, through college graduation, and now see him engaged to be married. Colleen was an amazing friend, a very hard and dedicated worker, helped within her community, served as a deaconess and sang in the choir at her church. In 2002, with faith on her side, Colleen boldly chose to give up her pain medicines, something she was told she would not be able to do, and lived for six years pain free. Eventually, though, her cancer caught up with her, affecting her heart. Colleen Callaghan passed away Tuesday morning, August 18th at the age of 58. She is survived by three incredibly loving sisters Marvel Dubois, Patti Schoen and Kathy Hall, her devoted brother Pete Schoen, her proud son Evan Schoonmaker and his fiancé, nine nieces and nephews, their children, and countless friends. Every person who came in contact with Colleen felt blessed to have known her, and each will take with them a little piece of Colleen’s strength.
They say God always takes the good ones. But he takes them to be with Him. Surely heaven has gained a new angel today.
There will be a memorial service held at her church, the Kingston Seventh Day Adventist Church at 24 West Union Street, Kingston NY 12401 on Sunday August 23rd at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence at 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh NY 12550, for their fine and gentle care in her last days. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the church please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com. The following link can be used to obtain directions to the church: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kingston+Seventh+Day+Adventist+Church&sll=28.998532,-47.8125&sspn=50.871869,113.818359&ie=UTF8&ll=41.920034,-73.98468&spn=0.083407,0.222301&z=13&iwloc=A&iwstate1=dir
Nona Kehoe
August 20, 2009 at 4:42 pmMy children and I are filled with so much sorrow. Colleen and I became friends under unusual circumstances. I’m glad we had the time to get to know one another. There was something very special about her.
My children, Kristen and Justin love her and Evan as family. She will be sadly missed. Through the difficult times in her life she would just keep pushing forward. She was a very strong woman, and admired very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Evan and her family.
Jo-Ann Lawlor ( Cottage Cutters )
August 20, 2009 at 6:22 pmI am very saddened to hear the news of Colleen’s passing.I’ve known Colleen many years,as I once took care of her Mom’s hair.Colleen has been so much more than a client to me. A special bond was formed between us. I feel privledged to have known Colleen. She will always be remembered as one of the strongest,most selfless,spiritual,caring individuals I have ever known.Evan,I’m sure you don’t remember me,but I gave you many haircuts also when you were quite young.Your mom was very proud of you and your acomplishments.I am sure her careful love and guidance has played a large part in your success now and in your future. What a beautiful woman your mother was.I will miss her always,as I know you will also. But I know for sure that there will always be a light that shines down forever upon all of us who loved her.God bless you and your family.
Becky B.
August 21, 2009 at 2:19 pmColleen was an amazing woman. I know she was deeply loved by her son, Evan, and their bond was unshakable. Before meeting Colleen about a year and a half ago, I had never met anyone who, through sheer force of will, was able to live on and work hard for 18 years with terminal illness nipping at her heels. She epitomized that well known Dylan Thomas poem by refusing to “go gentle into that good night,” and for that she will always be a warrior and because of that I have no doubt she is at peace.
Karryellen Kehoe
August 21, 2009 at 10:31 pmEvan, my deepest prayers, and sympathy go out to you, your fiance, and your entire family. Your Mom was a special and unique person. She was so gentle and so kind, and touched everyone in a unique way that she ever met along the way. She prooved the doctors wrong and lived with determination, pride, and love of life itself. She embraced life with passion and will be so deeply missed by everyone she ever came in contact with. She was an angel on earth, but now she lives in your heart, and she will be with you each and every day in spirit. I know you will feel her presence on your wedding day. She will be there in spirit, and make sure it is a beautiful day for you and your fiance. Best of happiness to you and your fiance on your wedding day, and your Mom was always so very proud of you. Sincerely, Karryellen Kehoe
Real & Barbara Bouffard
August 22, 2009 at 10:14 amEvan,
We are sorry to learn of your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Real & Barbara Bouffard
Julie Letis
August 28, 2009 at 5:25 pmTo Marv and family of Colleen;
We had the pleasure of meeting Colleen in Mexico while on vacation. She was a gentle and kind soul we had a lot of fun together. After meeting her it was obvious she was a very special person and had amazing strength. We are deeply saddened for Marv and the entire family. We are happy, though, that Colleen is in peace and suffers no more. May pleasant memories soon replace your sorrow and may your faith in God’s iove give you the strength to cope with your loss.
Jim & Julie Letis & children
marvel du bois (sister)
August 30, 2009 at 5:01 pmi have read the kind words people of left, and always stop at this point because i do not know where to begin or end with the sadness i feel because she is not here now…we did spend alot of
time together both when she was healthier and as her disease progressed with dr. appts. and such…she was determined and strong willed both with her mind and her body. she was gentle, and
generous, caring, always trying to make sure everyone else was ok. even when i would try to massage her aching feet or legs, she
would say” you cant do that in that position, you have a bad back”
or when we were tired and about to drive home, are you ok to drive
not very much about how she was feeling-it was about the other person-then she donated her body to science, since she did not have active treatments. she was hoping they could learn something about how the disease progressed. still thinking about the othe person, i could go on and on but just know that i miss her very much and love her even more if that is possible
Rachel Adams
September 4, 2009 at 8:24 pmI have been friends with Colleen since 1995 when she hired me to be her assistant at SDC. What a blessing that day was for me. Such a rare and beautiful soul. I miss you so much, Sweetest Friend.
I’ve lived in Arkansas for several years now but we stayed as close as ever. I know that everyone she touched loved her as much as I do. To Evan, Laura, all her sisters, brothers and dearest friends, my heart & prayers are with you. She is with our Lord and her trials here are over now, but we feel our loss so deeply.
maria cascone
September 26, 2009 at 7:04 amTo sister Kathy and your family,
I remember you speaking of Colleen’s cancer back when we were such close friends. And her fighting spirit – and courage. You were all affected by it and inspired by it and in awe of Colleen.
Although we’ve lost touch along the way, beautiful & dear Kathy, I know how close you were with all that you cared about. I am so sad for your loss. I miss you and love you.
Your family was very blessed and special. You all took such good care of each other.
God Bless all of you.