Lillian P. Callanan passed away peacefully at 103 years young on May 3, 2026. She was born in Brooklyn on October 4,1922 to Jessie Corbo and John A. Prezzo with her twin sister Genevieve. Her childhood in Flatbush was fun where she would roller skate to Coney Isalnd and play roller hockey on the streets of Brooklyn. Being from an Italian heritage she grew up with rich traditions that she passed onto her own family. She attended James Madison High School and Brooklyn College where she obtained her Associates Degree in Business. She was a diehard Brooklyn Dodgers fan and never forgave them for moving to Los Angeles.

Lillian was a force to be reckoned with which contributed to her longevity - whether it was catching butterflies for a summer course in Vermont or commuting on the subways in her high heels to her job at Phelps Dodge, where she was the first woman industrial buyer. It was at Phelps Dodge, where she met the love of her life, Frank Callanan. They got to know each other through many telephone conversations while he worked for IBM. They had a whirlwind romance with Frank proposing over the phone and they were married in three weeks. They started their married life in Brooklyn Heights and moved to Jamaica Estates in Queens to start a family. They had three daughters, Lillian M. Spiess, Barbara Callanan and Joan Schmidt (Fred). They established themselves in that neighborhood and Lillian was very involved in the Immaculate Conception Parish. Lillian and Frank were married for 46 years when her “Cal” passed away in 2001.

After raising her family, Lillian decided to return to work. In 1973, she began her tenure at The Mary Louis Academy (TMLA) in the Science Resource Center – a career which spanned 47 years. As a valued and beloved member of the TMLA family, she saw thousands of young girls grow into young women through their high school years. She was a “mom,” “grandma,” mentor and friend to so many and was endearingly known as Mrs. C. Only the pandemic stopped her from working at age 97. TMLA was such an integral part of her life, and she would still see alumnae when she was out and about. Former students would greet her so warmly. Over the years, to her delight, many of her former TMLA colleagues would visit, send cards, and call.

Lillian was a people person. She would often say how much she loved people and frankly, it showed. She was charming, brilliant, clever, with a wonderful quick wit. She could talk to anyone – seamlessly putting them at ease instantly – and that was only one of her many formidable gifts. 

She was a Nana to Allison and Ryan who she loved dearly and was so proud of their achievements. Lillian is also survived by nieces, nephews and countless friends. Additionally, she had a great love for animals, particularly dogs. This love was quite evident because when Lillian gently passed away, Barbara’s dog, Teddy, was by her side.

Her faith was a significant part of her life still receiving Communion from wonderful Eucharistic Ministers and was anointed on May 1^st bringing her even closer to God. 

Lillian’s life was a life well lived and may she now be reunited with her Cal, parents, sister and many friends! May God welcome her with open arms and may she continue to be a force to be reckoned with in Heaven!