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Eileen McCallian, Long-Time Civic Leader and Wife to the Late Don McCallian, Passes Away

Eileen and Don McCallian (Photo: By Luke Adams 2011)

April 9, 2020 By Christian Murray

Eileen McCallian, a Sunnyside resident and well known civic leader who was married to the late Donald McCallian, passed away last night. She was 83.

Eileen, who was married to Don for 60 years, is best known for her civic work alongside her late husband. She was an active member of the United 40s Civic Association, a group that addresses quality of life issues in Woodside, and a longtime parishioner at St Raphael’s Church.

Don, who was part of several Sunnyside/Woodside civic organizations, died in September at the age of 85.

Eileen who had health issues in recent times reportedly contracted COVID-19 last week and passed away last night.

Eileen [nee Donovan] and Don were part of a generation of civic leaders who have passed away in recent years, such as Luke Adams, Lily Gavin and Gert McDonald.

State Sen. Mike Gianaris, who knew Don and Eileen for more than decade, expressed sadness over her passing.

“Eileen was dedicated to her family and her community. I will always remember the light and energy both she and her beloved husband Don shared with our neighborhood. This loss comes at a particularly painful time for all New Yorkers, and I cannot imagine how hard this must be for her family, just a few months after Don’s passing. I hope they take solace in knowing they are reunited once again. My heart goes out to them all.”

Details as to her funeral arrangements are pending.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

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