A mass of Christian burial took place Jan. 3 at St. Michael’s Church for Joan O’Callahan, 77. She passed away Dec. 30 with her husband by her side. Born in St. Michael’s Parish in downtown Jersey City, Joan was a true native daughter of Jersey City, never moving further than St. Paul of the Apostle Parish in Greenville. She was the cornerstone of a large family that she devoted herself to. Joan was always of Jersey City, her Irish roots and her extended family. She was named Irishwoman of the Year by the Jersey City Police Department Emerald Society in 1982; by the Jersey City Fire Department Emerald Society in 1989 and by the Jersey City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in 1996.

Joan also enjoyed her many summers spent in Seaside Heights with family and friends. Joan is survived by her best friend and husband of 56 years, Robert L. O’Callahan (Ret.Lt. JCPD); children, Brian O’ Callahan (Capt. JCPD) and his wife Donna, Kevin O’Callahan (Capt. JCPD) and his wife Suzanne (nee Conheeney),Maureen and her husband Thomas Donnelly (PO JCPD) and Timothy O’Callahan (Capt. JCFD) and his wife Kathleen (nee Roulette); daughter in law, Catherine; grandchildren, Sean, Erin, Meaghan, Patrick (USN, PO3), Shawn (PO JCPD), Kelsey, Alexis, Jake, Brianna, Kelly, Maureen and Caigan (USMC PFC); great granddaughter Olivia; brothers, Cornelius (Ret. JCPD) and Christopher (Ret. JCPD); sisters, Bertha and Mary as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Joan was predeceased by her parents Michael Christopher and Mary Enright, son Robert O’Callahan (Lt. JCPD); in laws, Patrick and Margaret O’Callaghan; brothers James and Richard, daughters in law Maureen (nee Connelly) and Joan (nee O’Connor) and granddaughter Tara. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.