Mary Helen Callahan, 69, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Alexandria, VA on March 28, 1942, Mary Helen was the daughter of the late Miles and Helen Bucknam McPeek.

She studied at Radcliffe College and earned her MAT Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Upon moving to Newark, she began GED teaching and soon after that, went to the University of Delaware where she worked for over 30 years as Professional Staff in the College of Urban Affairs and in the Dean's Office of its successor, the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy. She also was Executive Director of the Urban Affairs Association for 25 years. She was Past President of the League of Women Voters and sang in various University Choral Groups, most recently the Schola Cantorum. A member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, she was a member of the Vestry, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for many years. She enjoyed traveling, visiting five continents, was an avid reader, and enjoyed the company of her children and grandsons.

Mary Helen is survived by her husband of 47 years, Raymond A. Callahan; a daughter, Sarah Callahan of Washington, DC; a son, Brian Callahan and his wife Shannon of Newark; two grandchildren, Aidan and Shaun Callahan of Newark; two brothers, Jack McPeek of Boston, MA and Miles McPeek and his wife Carole Dwyer of Ewing, NJ and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service honoring her life will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 S. College Ave., Newark, DE on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be private.