Valerie P. Callan

Valerie Patak Callan of Altamonte Springs, FL, died early morning on September 23, 2018 surrounded by her family. She celebrated a memorable 85th birthday at her home with her family the previous day. Valerie was born in Ennis, Texas to Willie and Annie Patak. She graduated high school from Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy in Dallas, Texas, where she was the class Salutatorian. She married Francis P. Callan in Dallas. Martin Marietta brought them to the Orlando area in November 1963. Their family expanded to eight children. In her early adult years, Valerie was a wife and mother, whose life revolved around her husband and eight children. After a 23-year absence, Valerie returned to the workforce at Rollins College. She attended night school at Rollins until she earned her degree in Accounting. She remained at Rollins as senior accountant in the finance department until her retirement. Valerie remained an active member of St. Mary Magdalen since 1963. She was active in the school, led Girl Scout Troop(s) and served in numerous women’s guilds and circles. Later, she served as a Eucharist Minister, Minister to the Sick, and member and president of the Council of Catholic Women (CCW) and Treasurer of the Orlando Diocesan CCW. Retirement was filled with travel with Frank, time with her grandchildren, CCW, bridge and armchair baseball. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Frank and their son Edward. Valerie is survived by: her children, Ann, Monica, Lori, Tom, Meg, Jim (Carmen) and Dan (Julie); daughters-in-law, Anne Marie Heideck and Alison Yurko; four loving grandchildren, Delaney, Claire, Paige, and Matthew; three brothers, Bernard (Adell), Raymond (Judy), and Paul (Betty); sister-in-law, Patricia Callan; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews in Texas and Connecticut. Visitation will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 6pm to 8pm, with a Rosary Service starting at 5:30pm in the Chapel. The celebration of her life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11am at St. Mary Magdalen with a reception at the church in the San Juan de la Cruz Meeting Room until 2:30pm, followed by a Burial Service for the family at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covenant House MDS Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Valerie P. Callan

September 21, 1933 - September 23, 2018