Sally Anne (nee Callahan) Sullivan - Obituary

ow do you hold a moonbeam in your hand? Only God can. We were all blessed to have had Sally’s vibrant light, powerful love, and lived faith with us for the time we did. And this brief piece can only give a hint to all of the magnificent person of Sally (Callahan) Sullivan. Born in Washington, DC, Sally was very proud to be a native Washingtonian, a native of the Capitol of the United States of America. She believed in our Country and all it could and should be. Fourth born of five children, Sally grew up in SE Washington with her parents, Lawrence and Sarah Callahan, and her brothers and sisters: Suzanne (Sr. Lawrence Marie, D.C.), Lawrence (Larry), Connie (Sr. Mary Kevin, D.C.), and Kevin Callahan. She was blessed to have a family that both loved and liked each other - and still do! She attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, the Academy of Notre Dame, and St. Joseph’s College. Sally was an advocate for us whenever there was a need. Sometimes, that meant standing with us to amplify our voice and sometimes it was speaking for us when we were unable to do so ourselves. Sally loved being a Nurse. This meant she was a problem solver, a healer, a comforter, an advocate. In that vocation, following graduation from St. Joseph’s College (Emmitsburg), she served as a year-long volunteer in Durango, CO with Catholic Extension. She worked in the ER (for 5 years!) and as a floor Nurse at Providence Hospital (DC). Her last paid position was with Hospice Care of DC. She served as part of the Omsbudsman program at a local nursing home, supporting the residents, as well as family and staff. She took care of Family and Friends, be it for join replacements or time in the Intensive Care Unit; because of her, at least three of us are alive day. It was as a Nurse in the Providence Hospital ER that Sally met Harold Sullivan. While he knew immediately that she was who he hoped to marry, it took Sally just a little longer. Their love story is one for the ages. And, we encourage you to ask more about it if you did not have the opportunity to see it firsthand. They were each other’s true love. Two independent, smart faith-filled, compassionate, justice-seeking, loving people who made eachother even better. Although Harold died early in their marriage, Sally remained connected with the Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) Office in his honor and memory. She attended all but four of the annual AUSA dinners where an award is presented in Harold’s memory to an AUSA who embodies some of those same values and qualities he had including trial excellence, integrity, fairness. Harold and Sally’s legacy is also continued through their daughter, Katie. Sally was a true and ardent friend. She has one stretching back to Kindergarten and many from First Grade at St. Francis Xavier. Some of her “newer” friends include those from the Academy of Notre Dame (DC), the Buckley Club, and St. Joseph’s College (including her beloved YaYas). Every person she met, Sally made feel special and the focus of her attention in that moment. As one friend said, “she made people feel better about themselves.” She helped all of us be better versions of ourselves, too! Sally was an active and dedicated member of the Police Emerald Society (PES). She is a long standing member of the (PES) Board. This was one way she could demonstrate her support of law enforcement and connect with her Irish heritage. She and her daughter, Katie, were named PES Women of the Year in 2012. She also was an active member of the Irish American Club. Another expression of her Irish heritage is when she and a dear friend began Branahan Tours. They created this group to help introduce others to Ireland and her people. That group forged new friendships and enhanced existing ones. While we will not be having a trip celebrating remission from cancer, we will be having a memorial trip in Sally’s honor. Sally’s writing is legendary. In school, her nom de plume, Esmerelda Snicklefritz was the by line for Tessie’s Tasty Tidbits which shared highlights of news of her fellow Notre Dame classmates. She wrote letters of support for one of her sisters to receive a significant Award and fo people experiencing injustice due to race or religion. Sally never backed away from standing up for what was right, moral, and true. She was one you always wanted in your corner and would have your back, even when you did not have the strength to stand for yourself. The humor of Sally was contagious. She could - and regularly would - make people laugh so hard they cried. You knew when she was there because there was a distinct light and joy that she emanated. Sally passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2025 following a battle with cancer. She is survived by a large and beloved family, including: her daughter Kathryn (Katie) Sullivan; her sisters and brothers Sr. Lawrence Marie (Suzanne) Callahan, Lawrence (Larry) and Gail Callahan, Sr. Mary Kevin (Connie) Callahan, and Kevin and Colleen Callahan; her nieces and nephews Kevin, John and Patty, Brian and Stacey, Lynn and Dana, Matt T. and Carolina, Sean, Matt L., Erin and Chris; 13 great nieces and nephews; and many dear cousins and treasured friends. She is preceded in death by her cherished parents, Lawrence and Sarah (Braun) Callahan, and by her true love and husband, Harold Sullivan. Throughout her life, even in her sickness, Sally’s life was one of example, of giving witness how to live, how to love, how to pray. Her absence will be forever felt. We know her example will continue to inspire. We also know her love and prayers will continue to be with us! Relatives and friends are invited to Sally's Life Celebration on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 630 E St., SW, Washington, DC. Interment to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD. Please click on the "memories" tab to see parking suggestions for church. In lieu of flowers, Sally asked donations be given to St. Dominic Catholic Church and/or the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry .