Dorothy A. (Robinson) Callahan

Dorothy A. Callahan (Robinson), “Dot”, age 81, of Wilmington, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home on August 26, 2023. 

Dot was born on June 1, 1942, in Stoneham, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late William and Marjorie Robinson.  Dot was raised and educated in Wakefield, MA, and a graduate of Wakefield High School with the Class of 1960.

Dot married her sweetheart Robert “Bud” Callahan on May 1, 1965; the couple settled in Wilmington, MA, where they raised three wonderful children.  Dot’s family was her world; she showered them with unconditional love and devotion.  Dot was always happiest when she was surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren who she adored, and her countless nieces and nephews. She had an exceptional friendship and bond with her surviving brother Robert.  Dot’s door was always open, and everyone was made to feel welcomed and loved.  Dot looked forward to the countless school and sporting events for her children and grandchildren throughout the years; she was always there to cheer them on, and she beamed with pride as she spoke of their many accomplishments.

Dot was a woman of great faith and an active communicant at St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Wilmington. Throughout the years, Dot volunteered her time and talents to help with church bazaars and fundraisers; she was a eucharistic minister who visited the sick and homebound to bring communion, kindness, encouragement, and conversation to everyone she met.  Dot also helped with the many fundraisers at the Knights of Columbus and made friends with other couples and their families that were also members.

Dot was always out and about in the Community doing something for someone, she enjoyed many community events and would often be seen socializing with others at the annual Fourth of July celebration on the Town Common.  Dot was often found at the Wilmington Senior Center where she joined art classes, expressed her creativity, and refined her painting skills.  Dot created several beautiful paintings which she gifted to her family and friends that they will treasure.

Dot also had several hobbies; she was an avid bowler in her younger years and walked away with many trophies.  Dot loved her music and especially enjoyed singing along to two of her favorites, Neil Diamond and Johnny Cash.  Dot was also very talented when it came to dancing; she and Bud would take the dance floor and glide with such elegance, always making it look easy.

Dot will be fondly remembered for her quiet strength.  She fought and overcame breast cancer not once but twice in her lifetime.  Dot’s endearing personality, gentle caring nature, and kindness, drew people in.  She always put others before herself and she was extremely generous towards everyone she met.  Dot loved animals and cared for many family pets throughout the years.  Dot radiated warmth, her smile lit up the room, and her heart was full of love for her family and friends.  Dot’s love and devotion to her family and friends was evident in everything she did; she was a great mentor and a true friend to many.  Dot will forever be loved and missed by all who knew her.

Dorothy was the beloved wife of 58 years to Robert J. “Bud” Callahan, devoted mother of Lauren Whitehead and Stacey Conway & her husband Patrick all of Westford, and Matthew Callahan of Manchester, NH.  Loving “Grammy” of Eleanor, Lilian, and Bee Whitehead, Emmelyn, Delia, and Griffin Conway, Matthew, Jake, and Troy Callahan, cherished daughter of the late William and Marjorie (Dulong) Robinson, dear sister of Robert Robinson of Hampstead, NH, the late Carolyn Cunha, William Robinson and Donald Robinson.  Dorothy is further survived by her nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, August 31st at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.  Visiting Hours will take place at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 30th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA  01844.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com