Maria Meagher McCallum passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Harrisonburg, Virginia at Sunnyside Retirement Community. She was born July 20,1927, to Harry Royce Meagher and Marie Paula Demarco Meagher in Baltimore, Maryland, the oldest of five children. She married Charles P. McCallum, Jr. in 1949 and to that union eight children were born.

Maria was predeceased by her parents, husband Charles P. McCallum, Jr, sister Margaret Ann Novotny, brother-in-law Dr. Charles Novotny, brother, Dr. H. Michael Meagher (Carolyn), son Joseph McCallum, daughter Patrice McCallum, son C. Phillip McCallum, III, granddaughter Kelly McCallum and great-granddaughter Isabel Bureman.

She is survived by her brothers Mark J. Meagher (DJ), Richard Meagher (Joan); sons, Henry McCallum (Janice), Douglas McCallum (Nancy); daughters, Paula McCallum, Philippa Elliott, and Mary Anne Duda (Mark); 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Maria was a lifelong teacher and learner, having spent her professional career as a reading specialist. She was a graduate in 1949 from Dunbarton College with a degree in English and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education from Lynchburg College. Marie was affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a fierce advocate for persons with mental illness. When she retired after a 40-year career in education, she volunteered as a GED instructor, a Court-Appointed Special Advocate as well as for Habitat for Humanity in their resale stores. She was a voracious reader and avid crossword puzzle worker. She completed many home study courses in a variety of topics including quantum theory and world religions. Fiercely independent, she lived in her own home well into her nineties. Above all, she loved her family and took great joy in watching her children’s families grow.

Maria will be laid to rest at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA. A private family reception will be held after the burial service.

In lieu of flowers, Maria would like donations to be made to the ARC of Northern Virginia (https://thearcofnova.org)