Carol Callahan

BRIGHTON ? Carol A. (Belzer) Callahan, 73, of Brighton, died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, at her home following a short-term illness.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Lake Darling State Park Pavilion,, in rural Brighton near the boat dock, with the Rev. Ryan Meader officiating. Following the celebration of life at Lake Darling, friends and family are welcome to join her family at her residence at 115 West Washington Street in Brighton. A memorial has been established in her name for Hospice of Washington County, and memorial donations may be left at the service or mailed to the family at 115 West Washington St., Brighton, IA 52540. Gould Funeral Home of Brighton is assisting the family.

Mrs. Callahan was born Feb. 4, 1943, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of Ray and Dorothy (Harkins) Belzer. She married Ronald Upton in 1965. He preceded her in death in 1968. She married Daniel D. Callahan on July 10, 1987.

She was raised in Oskaloosa, graduating from Oskaloosa High School in 1961. She attended Ottumwa Beauty Academy and graduated as a cosmetologist in 1963. She later changed career paths and became a support staff at the Washington County Home, later renamed Orchard Hill/Rescare. She felt fulfilled working in this position. She also loved to garden, visit with people, travel, and spend time with her family and friends. She was generous and loved to help people. She was known as a very loving person who offered a helping hand and a smile to all.

Surviving are her husband, Daniel D. Callahan; two children, Scott Upton and wife Annette of Cedar Rapids, and Jacque Heseltine and husband Mike ?Bubs? of Brighton; two stepchildren, Damon Callahan and wife Jennifer of Kalona, and Angela ?Sis? Callahan and husband Heath of Wellman; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and three siblings, Gary Belzer of Oskaloosa, Jim Belzer and wife Beverly of New Sharon, and Cathy Bush and husband Jim of Marshalltown.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her first husband, Ronald Upton.