Marie Joan Callaghan (LaFontaine)

Sioux City - Marie Joan Callaghan, 87, of Sioux City, passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at her home with her family members present.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church. The Rev. David Hemann will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, with a parish vigil service at 5 p.m., at Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Marie was born on March 15, 1926, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the daughter of Leo and Johanna (Christensen) LaFontaine. She was raised in Spirit Lake and graduated from Spirit Lake High School. She then graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in chemistry. She furthered her education at Creighton University in Omaha, where she received a bachelor of science degree specializing in laboratory technology.
This is where she met her future husband, Dr. Ambrose J. Callaghan Jr. They were married on June 18, 1949, in Papillion, Neb. The couple moved to Sioux City, where Dr. Callaghan opened his medical practice. After raising five children, Marie became the secretary and bookkeeper at her husband's office for many years.
Marie was very active at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and school. She served as the president of the Blessed Sacrament Confraternity. She also belonged to her parish circle and was instrumental in starting the annual Palm Sunday roast beef dinner, which still exists today. After Dr. Callaghan died on March 18, 1986, she became a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. She was a member of the Sioux City Country Club. Friends knew her as a voracious reader and friendly competitor. She especially enjoyed bridge club, bowling league and weekly golfing with friends. Marie held a special place in her heart for her daughter, Megan, whom she cared for until her death. Marie was very active with special needs organizations. She was involved with Hope Haven in Rock Valley, Iowa, and with Mid-Step Services and New Perspective Incorporated both in Sioux City. Marie when asked by social services volunteered as a legal guardian for two Sioux City women. She handled their finances and helped them with their daily needs. She continued this service until well into her 80s.
Marie was a compassionate person, who always put other people's needs before her own. She was independent, practical, fun, adventurous, tireless and had a quick wit. All of these attributes were evident in the positive outlook she always had when dealing with life’s trials and tribulations. Marie will truly be missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by three daughters, Mary Joyce and Mike Capobianco of Clive, Iowa, Karen Nold of Conyers, Ga., and Megan Callaghan of Sioux City; her son, Jim and Beth Callaghan of Huntington Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren, Nick Capobianco, Mikaela Capobianco, Kevin Callaghan, Megan Callaghan, and Orion Nold; and two great-grandchildren, Michael Capobianco and Lia Capobianco.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Kathleen Payer; and a brother, Robert LaFontaine.
Memorials may be directed to the Carmelite Monastery, Mid-Step Services or New Perspectives Incorporated (NPI).