Janie Suzanne Callahan

Janie Suzanne Thompson Callahan age 72, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at UPMC Hamot.

 She was born in Frankfurt, Germany on August 14, 1951 a daughter of the late Joe and Marguerite Thompson.

 Janie graduated high school as a member of the national honor society in Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1968. She graduated from The University Of Kentucky in Louisville in the 70s. She walked inside a Montessori school in the 70s and instantly knew in her heart that being a Montessori teacher was her life calling. She was an extraordinary Pre-School / Kindergarten Montessori for nearly 30 years in Erie, PA. She received the Golden Apple Award in 2004. She suffered a very tragic accident in 2013 but fortunately was able to prevail and made an immaculate recovery. Resilience was easily one of her biggest strengths. 

She was a member of Lutheran Memorial Church in the early 90s where she taught Sunday School. In her later life she became a member of St. Andrews Church and attended service every Sunday. 

 She spent a lot of time in nature. She tended to her garden every day and especially loved her sunflowers. She walked miles daily. She loved going to the beach at Presque Isle with her son Ryan. Or going to Scott Park to walk with her other son Chris. She loved watching Pittsburgh Steelers games, especially with her family. Watching movies was also one of her favorite hobbies, with a big bowl of ice cream of course. 

She spent a lot of her life traveling the world, and continued to do so when she had her two boys. She cherished raising her sons, Chris & Ryan, more than anything in the world. Nothing made her happier than having a duplex full of laughter on a Friday night from her sons and their friends hosting a sleepover. Janie was one of the kindest people to ever grace this earth and anyone who knew her can attest.

 Her happiness and appreciation for life was undoubtedly abundant. She lived by the belief that the happiest of people don’t have the best of things, they make the best of things. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ryan Callahan.

She is survived by her eldest son, Chris Callahan and his Fiancé, Alyssa Trenary Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26th Street on Tuesday, July 2nd from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please wear something that reminds you of Janie. Please wear bright clothes, as Janie was a very bright person, she would love to be in a room surrounded by color and happiness one last time as we celebrate her life.