MESA [mdash] Denise Marie Callahan 64, resident of Mesa, Arizona, was born in Manchester, Iowa, in 1960 to John and Dolores Callahan. Sadly, she died unexpectedly on March 11, 2025, from complications of a medical emergency. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at Prince of Peace Parish. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Irenaeus Calvary Cemetery with a lunch to follow at Prince of Peace. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.

As a middle child of 8, she developed an independent and 'can do ' attitude that persisted throughout her adult life. Denise had a heart of gold, a quick smile and a soft spot for animals including her beloved Alvin. She loved her family and adored her three granddaughters. She worked most of her career in the insurance business and was always a client advocate.

She is survived by her daughter Hannah (Chris) Kirkland and granddaughters, Olivia, Sophia, and Chloe. Other survivors include: Mother, Dolores Callahan, sisters, Peggy (John) Heck, Mary (Eric) Carlson, Noreen (Brian) Johnson, Andrea Cox (partner Bradley) and brothers Terry (Lori) Callahan, Phil (Darcy) Callahan, 16 nieces and nephews and many first cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, John and brother, Patrick.

Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.