Doris Ann Callan

Doris Ann Callan of Longmeadow was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, foster mother and friend to many. She died at home on Friday January 8, 2021 surrounded by her husband and three children, who will continue to honor her by living their lives as she taught them.
Doris was born to Herman and Alice Grandchamp of Wilbraham on May 29, 1942. After graduating from Ursuline Academy in Springfield, she took a degree from Mt. Aloysius Junior College in Pennsylvania and later received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount St. Mary’s College in Hookset, New Hampshire. She served briefly as a teacher in the Diocese of Springfield school system, teaching grade school in West Springfield.
She and her husband Phil were married on June 5, 1965, and then spent several years in St. Louis while he served in the Judge Advocate General Corps. They later moved to Wilbraham where they raised a family and lived until 1990, when they relocated to Longmeadow. Upon doing so, Doris became a Eucharistic minister at St Mary’s church. She also frequently volunteered at the St Jude food kitchen and at Storrowtown Village for many years.
In 1977 Doris participated in her Cursillo, after which she began opening her home as a foster mother to young pregnant women in need of a safe place under their respective circumstances. Doris also gave of herself extraordinarily by taking in newborn infants for the brief period between birth and adoption until such time as the child could be given over to the adoptive parents. She knew each stay was temporary and her short time with each infant was full of devotion and loving care. Few could give so fully despite the foreknowledge that the last day would result in permanent separation from that “gift of God” temporarily put in her care.
The simplest pleasures in life brought Doris great joy. Her pleasant personality and quiet laugh were contagious to all she met. Doris was an extraordinarily skilled amateur craftsperson. For several decades she handmade quilts for her family members and friends, with particular emphasis on quilts for new babies. She would proudly display them in various stages of planning and completion to everyone.
Doris is survived by Phil, her husband of 55 years, along with her son Michael and his wife Jean of Longmeadow, son Daniel and his wife Carrie of Westfield, her daughter Laura of Westfield; and her brother Phil Grandchamp and his wife Peg of Adams, MA. She was also blessed to leave 9 grandchildren in whom she took enormous pride.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Doris will be held Friday January 15, 2021 at 10:00am in St. Mary’s Parish, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow. To view livestreaming please click here. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Doris’ name to Jericho, 537 Northampton St., Holyoke MA 01040.

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