Obituary of Wanda Faye Callihan

MINERVA, N.Y. – Wanda Faye Callihan, 85, of Puddin’ Hollow Farm and formerly of Fremont, Ohio and Briarcliff Manor in Westchester County, New York, a well-known community volunteer, businesswoman and Garden Club leader, has passed away on August 30, 2016 at her home. Wanda was born in 1931, the daughter of Walter and Josephine (Wigland) Smith. She grew up during the challenging years of the Great Depression and World War ll when self-reliance was a virtue. Shortly after graduating from high school, where she pursued a love of reading and demonstrated her strong work ethic, she married John C. Callihan, a Lieutenant in the Air Force. After John’s initial tour in the Far East during the Korean War, she embarked on a troop ship joining him on Okinawa. She accompanied her husband during six military and career moves, and then located in Briarcliff Manor where she lived for more than 35 years. Their daughter, Kimberly, was born in Schenectady, in 1959, while John was going through the General Electric training programs. Later, she participated with him in starting a new advertising and public relations agency in Manhattan where she served as financial manager, and contributed greatly to its success. As a community leader, she was President of the Briarcliff Manor Garden Club and Board Member of District IX Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. She was Beautification Chairman of Briarcliff Manor, and was elected Secretary of the Briarcliff Manor Political Caucus, as well as being active in the League of Women Voters. She worked with author Mary Cheever in writing, editing and publishing a history of Briarcliff Manor. She was a dedicated volunteer in Operation Run at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, and in the annual Phelps Fair. She also served as a trustee of the Briarcliff Congregational Church, and for many years she was a track official for Special Olympics. After moving permanently to the Adirondacks in 1990, she was President of the Adirondack Mountain Garden Club, a member of the Lake George Garden Club, a founding member of the Minerva Service Organization, and its president for two terms, and she then served as its treasurer. She was on the board of Dollars for Scholars, a volunteer of the Tri-County Nursing Home, and on its board. She was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, a member of the Train Station Museum board, and an active volunteer for various American Red Cross services and Glens Falls Hospital cancer awareness programs. In 2004, she was named Minerva Citizen of the Year and Grand Marshal of the Hometown Parade. She and her husband of 65 years thoroughly enjoyed creating the gardens and restoring the buildings of their historic Puddin’ Hollow Farm. They were co-founders of The John and Wanda Callihan Charitable Fund, and have supported many organizations that help people in need. She was especially proud of the many accomplishments in the fields of special education and art of her daughter, Kimberly Callihan Kaczmarek, and her grandson, Zachary James Kaczmarek. Kimberly served as Head Coach of the Unified U.S. Men’s Special Olympics Basketball Team, winning the Gold Medal at the World Games in Los Angeles in 2015. She also appreciated the support of her brother, Walter E. Smith of Branford, Connecticut and his family. Following a graveside service, Wanda Faye Callihan, a wonderful lady who made the most of life’s journey, is to be interred at a place reserved for her and her husband, Lieutenant Callihan, and will repose among other American patriots at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to High Peaks Hospice, PO Box 192, Port Henry, NY 12974 or at www.highpeakshospice.org. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.