MARLBOROUGH - Sr. Ellen Callahan, Sister of St. Anne, known in religion as Sister David Marie, died at age 81 at Marie Esther Health Center on Saturday, May 23, 2009, in her 62nd year of religious life. Sister was the daughter of David and Marie Rose (Fugere) Callahan of Easthampton. She completed both her elementary and secondary school education in Easthampton, and earned a B.A degree from Anna Maria College in Paxton, a B.Ed. degree from University of Montreal, and Certificate of Theological Studies and a master's degree in religious education from Providence College, Providence, R.I. In 1945, she entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of St. Anne in Lachine, Quebec and was professed in 1947. Sister began her career in education at Holy Family, Queen of Angels Academy, Resurrection of Our Lord and St. Pius X in Montreal. In 1989, she moved to Toronto, taught English to new immigrants, and volunteered at St. Michael's Hospital. In 2002, Sister transferred to the American Province and worked for "Project Learning," teacher of adults working toward a GED diploma, and worked with the elderly in Central Falls, R.I. In 2007, Sister Ellen became a resident of Marie Esther Health Center. Sister is survived by special friends, Sister Lena Salois, Marlborough, Lillian and Lorraine Lussier, and Connie and Roger Audette of Pawtucket, R.I.; and her Sisters in community.

The wake will take place Monday, May 25, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at St. Anne Convent, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m., at the Convent Chapel, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Marlborough. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home, (www.CollinsFuneral.com) 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough. A memorial contribution may be made to the Sisters of St. Anne Retirement Fund, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752 or to a charity of your choice.