Linda Claire Callahan, age 57, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and service to others.
Linda was a graduate of Mount Olive High School and earned her Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from the County College of Morris which led her to her calling as a devoted Registered Nurse whose life’s work was caring for those in need. Her calling to serve extended far beyond her profession. A devout Christian, Linda lived her faith through action, generously giving her time and heart on mission trips to Haiti, Appalachia, Philadelphia, and wherever there were people in need. Her kindness knew no boundaries, and her quiet strength touched countless lives.
Above all else, Linda cherished her family. She was the beloved daughter of Robert and Blanche Wonderly, sister of Ann Bisnath (husband Ian), wife of her high school sweetheart, Patrick, and a devoted mother to their four children: Steven, Cassidy (husband Zach), Ryan (wife Megan), and Carrie Ann (husband Keith). She found immense joy in being “Lolly” to her four grandchildren, Brooks, Madison, Shaelynn, and Caden, who were the light of her life.
An avid gardener, Linda found peace and purpose nurturing life from the soil, much as she did with the people around her. Her garden was a reflection of who she was—patient, attentive, and full of beauty.
Linda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, and the love she poured so freely into her family, her community, and the world. Her life was a testament to compassion, and her impact will continue to be felt by all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
A Christian Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:30 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 213 Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. www.stjude.org, In memory of Linda, a foundation that she was extremely passionate for.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street Hackettstown NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/
69 Condolences for Callahan, Linda Claire
Condolences(69)
Chris & Diane Burgos says
January 12, 2026 at 6:38 pmSincere condolences to Colonel Callahan, family and dear friends, may Linda rest in everlasting peace.
Ruby Calabrese says
January 16, 2026 at 3:45 pmMy Family sends our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family Colonel. We have prayed earnestly that our Father gives you Peace of Mind and Heart that only our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can give.
Respectfully
Shupin Family says
January 12, 2026 at 7:02 pmWe are sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Marshall & Andrea Spevak says
January 12, 2026 at 8:41 pmSincerest condolences to Pat and the entire Callahan family. May Linda’s memory be a blessing to you always.
The Robinson Family says
January 13, 2026 at 2:10 amOur heartfelt condolences go out to Pat, Stephen, Cassidy, Ryan, Carrie and family. Linda was an exceptional human being. Our family had the fortune of living next door and sharing many good times with her and the family. She will always be remembered. Love and prayers from Brenda, Jessica, Sarah and Kris Robinson
Adam Goldman says
January 12, 2026 at 8:48 pmDeepest condolences Colonel. Linda was such a joy to speak with in Poland last year. May her name be a blessing and inspiration to those she touched.
Bandurski Family says
January 12, 2026 at 8:48 pmOur Deepest condolences Colonel Callahan and your family , we are so sorry for your loss. May your Wife rest in eternal peace 🙏
Chris Shallcross says
January 12, 2026 at 9:27 pmMy deepest condolences to you, Pat, and your entire family. May she eternally rest in peace and be forever remembered as the wonderful woman she was.
Linda Fitzsimmons says
January 12, 2026 at 9:31 pmMy deepest sympathy to the Callahan Family. Linda was such a loving, caring beautiful person. She had the biggest heart! May she rest in peace. Ill miss you Linny!
Donna Favara, R.N. says
January 12, 2026 at 10:34 pmLinda..as mentioned above, you were an extraordinary women, wife, mother, grandma….and to us a wonderful friend, nurse, teacher and a shining example to your patients, demonstrating kindness, compassion and expertise. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU LYN.. 🌹
Traci Buccino says
January 12, 2026 at 11:19 pmOn behalf of myself and the Buccino family, we extend our deepest condolences to Pat , his children, grandchildren, and Linda’s family … Linda was an absolute ANGEL , beautiful inside and out!! Many memories of her flood my mind today. I know she INSTANTLY went to Heaven 🙏
Susan and Bill Meddis says
January 12, 2026 at 11:22 pmCondolences to Colonel Callahan and his family. May God grant Linda eternal peace.
JOE PANICK #4728 says
January 12, 2026 at 11:28 pmCOLONEL PATRICK CALLAHAN & ENTIRE FAMILY,
MY MOST DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR THE LOST OF LINDA.
MY PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY, WISHING YOU COMFORT AND PEACE. MAY YOU FIND STRENGH AND SOLACE IN THE LOVING MEMORIES YOU SHARED TOGETHER. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL .
Laura Tramontin says
January 12, 2026 at 11:29 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Paul & Carol Mevoglioni says
January 12, 2026 at 11:53 pmOur very deepest condolences to Colonel Callahan and your family. I personally pray, Colonel, that in your retirement, you were able to spend some quality time with your wife. God Bless. Your family is in our prayers.
From the proud family of a.proud member of your 167th
Joe and Janet Lake says
January 13, 2026 at 12:13 amDear Colonel Callahan and family please accept our sincere sympathy.
Jesus promised we never die, we are simply absent from our old bodies and present with Him. You will see her again in her healthy glorified body. May the Lord comfort you all now.
Jill and Frank Valentino says
January 13, 2026 at 12:25 amPat and Family you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Linda has gone home to be with Jesus and I pray that you find some comfort and peace. XOXO
Michelle Bartley Hart says
January 13, 2026 at 12:41 amDeepest sympathy to Pat and family. Linda was a wonderful person. May her memory live on in your heart.
Michelle Bartley Hart says
January 13, 2026 at 12:43 amMy condolences to Pat and your family. May Lindas memory and love live on in your heart.
Bob and Lynn Austin says
January 13, 2026 at 1:18 amSo sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Pam O’Donnell says
January 13, 2026 at 2:09 amHaving only met Linda once in Washington DC you can feel the warmth and love she exuded. Thoughts and prayers to the Callahan family and anyone who knew her. May she rest in peace, our sincerest condolences.
Michael Fleming says
January 13, 2026 at 2:41 amSending my deepest sympathy to Colonel Pat Callahan and his entire family. May the love and support of friends and family help you all through this very difficult period.
Jon Tappan says
January 13, 2026 at 4:16 amPat, I’m so sorry for your loss my friend. Linda was an incredible woman and I’m glad to have met her so long ago. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family, but my thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. Please take care Pat. I hope to see you sometime in the near future. Love to you and your family always.
Paul Markowitz says
January 13, 2026 at 5:33 amI worked at Hackettstown Hospital with Linda in the Same Day Surgery Dept. Linda was a kind pleasant nurse. She took that extra time to educe fear and help he patient comfortable. .
Very nice and friendly smile 😊
You will be missed Linda , God has a new angel.
JIM BOYLAN says
January 13, 2026 at 10:25 amCONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE CALLAHAN FAMILY.
JIM BOYLAN (RET. NJSP)
Maggie & Bob Garatty (Fort Myers, FL) says
January 13, 2026 at 12:06 pmPat and family – we are so heartbroken to hear of Linda’s passing. She was the most beautiful person. Wonderful memories of her will surely last a lifetime. We are thinking of you all.
Tierney Family says
January 13, 2026 at 12:27 pmPlease accept our deepest condolences to Colonel Callahan and the entire family. May God have mercy on her soul.
So. Bridgette Miller Woodley says
January 13, 2026 at 1:34 pmPrayers and Condolences to the Colonel Callahan and his family and may continue too bless and guide your family always but, Mrs. Callahan will be your families guardian angel each and everyday love you always Colonel and may God bless you and your family always.
Ronald Regen says
January 13, 2026 at 2:12 pmSending my condolences to the Callahan family. May she rest in eternal peace and always remain in your hearts.
Janet and Rich Johnson says
January 13, 2026 at 2:36 pmHeartfelt condolences to Pat and the entire family. We will always remember Linda as a bright light in Lopatcong. May she rest in Peace.
Rick and Eileen Fuentes says
January 13, 2026 at 3:26 pmOur sincere condolences to Colonel Callahan and the entire Callahan family. Linda’s life was devoted to helping others, loving her family, and fostering a strong belief in God. Being in her company was always very special to us, and she will always be on our minds and in our prayers.
Vicky Dalessandro says
January 13, 2026 at 4:08 pmDear Pat and Family ~ We are so very sorry for your loss, and we are thinking of you at this most difficult time. Our hearts are breaking for you. Linda was a wonderful person who will always be in our memories. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Ben and Vicky Dalessandro
Gary Zito says
January 13, 2026 at 4:33 pmCondolences to Colonel Callahan and his family. Wishing you peace and comfort
Nancy Tallman says
January 13, 2026 at 5:01 pmAlthough I did not have the privilege of meeting this amazing woman, I want to send a message honoring her. My friend Yrose also survived the Haiti earthquake and Linda was the same giving, strong woman.
Our family grieves with the Callahan Family.
Kevin Smith says
January 13, 2026 at 5:23 pmPat and family, my thoughts and prayers to you all during this time of sorrow. I was saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. Such a caring , loving person. May she rest in peace with the Lord.
James South says
January 13, 2026 at 6:17 pmMy sincerest condolences to Colonel Callahan and family. God Bless you all. Peace be with you.
Brian Curtin Jr says
January 13, 2026 at 6:27 pmMrs. Callahan used to drive my sisters and I to Lopatcong Elementary School in the late 90s. She always greeted us with a warm hello and a nice smile. Steven and I became good friends and would hang out at their house on Powderhorn. As a guest, I always felt comfortable and welcome there. Even though we both moved, our paths crossed again in the future.
In the 2010s, Mrs. Callahan danced with me at my sister Kelly’s wedding. A couple years later, my other sister Brittany and I drove out to visit their house in Washington, NJ. Even after a long work day, Mrs. Callahan was happy to see us.
Eventually, Steven and his family were in Bonita Springs, FL visiting his grandparents and we met up there as well. When I arrived, Mrs. Callahan was the first one at the door and she gave the same warm greeting like I was part of the family too. That feeling is a reflection of the household that Mr. and Mrs. Callahan created.
I’ll always cherish the memories and time spent with the Callahan family. Mrs. Callahan will truly be missed.
Ed and Jennifer Thomas says
January 13, 2026 at 6:41 pmWe are so sorry to hear this sad news. Linda always had a beautiful smile when I saw her at church. Please know that Pat and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jenn Leeds says
January 13, 2026 at 6:56 pmDear Pat and family,
Although we have not been in touch since high school, I wanted to share my deepest sympathies around Linda’s passing. I actually think about you guys often, as I’ve lived in California for a long time now but whenever I’m in NJ and see a state police car i smile and think of Pat and Linda. Linda was a tremendous human being. She was always so kind, even when teenagers could behave less thoughtfully! I wish you all peace in the midst of this heartbreak. May Linda rest in peace and may her memory be for a blessing.
Jonathan Dienst says
January 13, 2026 at 9:52 pmCol. Callahan and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May wonderful memories bring you some comfort and a smile when you look back on them. Our sincere condolences.
– Jonathan and all your your friends at WNBC.
Jim & Caroline McCloskey says
January 13, 2026 at 11:47 pmPat and family,
Our Condolences in your loss. Prayers to the whole Family. So sorry for your for your loss.
Gail Vilasi says
January 14, 2026 at 2:32 amI am so very sorry for your loss, may Linda rest in peace.
Paul Manz says
January 14, 2026 at 3:49 amPat,
Deepest sympathies to you and your family during these difficult times. As a fellow FDU Alumni, I still remember unexpectedly meeting you and Linda as a lovely smiling couple twice on the elevator at the Marriott Gateway in Crystal City/DC all those years ago. Heartfelt solace from the Manz family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
William Farrell says
January 14, 2026 at 4:51 amMy sympathies of the death of your wife Colonel Callahan. I hope the good memories you have of her will helpo to sustain you and your family in the days, weeks and months and years to come. When I lost my wife, my parish priest gave me words of comfort, “If you believe, you will see your loved one again” or words to that affect, They carried me for 25 years as of this past Christmas.
William Farrell
SFC, US Army Military Police, Ret
Terry Kell, NJDEP says
January 14, 2026 at 2:59 pmDear Pat and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of this deep loss of your wife and i am thankful for God’s promises. May He give you comfort and strength as you cherish your precious memories until you meet again. ✨
Marilyn Anderson says
January 14, 2026 at 3:30 pmSo Sorry for your loss of Wife Linda Callahan, you have my Condolences
for you and your family Colonel, P Callahan OF NJSP. I will say Prayers for you and your family Ok. Respectfully and Sincerely Senior Security Officer Marilyn Anderson at Division Head Quarters.
Pat Bristow says
January 14, 2026 at 3:42 pmDear Pat and Family, My sincere condolences to you. Linda was a courageous woman and always had a smile.She will be missed by all who knew her. May the Lord comfort you and the family now and always.
Shanna Cook says
January 14, 2026 at 3:56 pmPat – My sincere condolences. I pray that you and your family find comfort in all your wonderful memories with Linda.
Michael Quinn says
January 14, 2026 at 4:11 pmMy deepest condolences to you, Pat, and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you, Pat, as a tremendous family man and a man of faith. May God watch over Linda and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Kelly Wright-Laske says
January 14, 2026 at 5:19 pmPat – I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you.
RICHARD C GROTH says
January 14, 2026 at 5:35 pmOur sincere condolences for your loss. I prayed for her every week at church. If you need anything, please reach out to your many friends in law enforcement. They are there for you. God Bless!
Rich & Suzanne Groth (retired Lt. Trenton Police Department)
Amy DeWees (OAG) says
January 14, 2026 at 6:54 pmDeepest condolences for your loss, Pat and family! May God’s peace that passes all understanding wipe away every tear. May your beautiful wife’s memories bring you abundant joy daily until you reunite in His eternal Kingdom. In Christ, Amy
Jim and Moira Scanlon says
January 14, 2026 at 8:02 pmPat, please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family. We will keep Linda and you in our thoughts and prayers. You are not alone, in Zax brother. John 11:35
Salvatore A Azzarello says
January 15, 2026 at 12:00 amSalvatore & Barbara Azzarello, NJSP Aviation
Pat, please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family.
We will keep Linda, you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Take Care…
Mary Kay Hoffman RN says
January 15, 2026 at 2:28 amColonel Callahan and family, I knew Linda for many years at the hospital in Hackettstown not to mention she cared for me several times in SameDay Surgery. I can’t recall ever seeing her without a smile on her face. She was beautiful inside and out. She touched so many lives and we are all better off for having known her.
Rabbi Mendy Carlebach says
January 15, 2026 at 3:10 pmDear Colonel Callahan and Family,
May God console you and comfort you.
You were a constant presence at Linda’s side and she will always be with you and watching over you.
All the best,
Rabbi Mendy Carlebach
Salvatore A Azzarello says
January 15, 2026 at 3:23 pmSalvatore & Barbara Azzarello, NJSP Aviation
Pat, please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family.
We will keep Linda, you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Take Care…
Karl & Jeanne kleeberg says
January 15, 2026 at 5:46 pmPat/Colonel, we were sadden to hear of your wife’s passing. You devoted your entire life to the NJSP and when you retired, you have a loss. There are no words to express our sadness with your family. If you have a chance to read all of these condolences, may you and your kids move forward. Pat, there are no words to make this better, only that we are grieving with you.
Farida Brewster says
January 15, 2026 at 6:21 pmMy family and I send our Deepest condolences to COLONEL PATRICK CALLAHAN & ENTIRE FAMILY, may you all find peace and comfort in all good memories in every day ahead in this journey of life.
Jodi and Tom Cicerelle says
January 15, 2026 at 7:50 pmDear Colonel Callahan and Family,
We are so sad to hear of the passing of your wife and Mom. Keeping you close in our hearts.Praying for you all.
Rachel Berridge says
January 15, 2026 at 11:56 pmWe are so saddened and sorry for the loss of your gentle mother and wife. May you find comfort in each other in the days ahead. Bless you all.
Gardner, Rachel, Becca and Emily Berridge
Rick Behrens says
January 16, 2026 at 2:33 amPat, deeply sorry for your loss. I will always remember how Linda helped me during Eileen’s illness. God Bless Her.
Tammy Crowley says
January 16, 2026 at 4:07 amMay the beautiful memories of Linda bring you strength and comfort. She’ll live on in your hearts. I still don’t understand this but God has taken another kind soul way too young. Rest in peace Linda.
Mark Christmas says
January 16, 2026 at 1:27 pm…And now our valiant warrior rests. Her nurturing continues through you, through us. Peace be with you. God bless.
Loretta Trumble says
January 16, 2026 at 8:06 pmDear Pat and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife/mother. I have wonderful memories of you and Linda from our MOHS days. Linda was so kind and caring to everyone in high school. I wish there were words to ease the pain. May you find comfort in all of the special memories you shared with Linda.
With deepest sympathies,
Loretta Vizioli
Patricia McDermott Ouellette says
January 17, 2026 at 5:05 pmDear Pat and Family.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your amazing wife and mother. Your words were a beautiful tribute to her remarkable and impactful life. I became a prayer warrior after our meeting in the MSK waiting room. No words needed to be exchanged yo know that she was a much loved person who made an indelible mark on this world. Hug each other tightly. Cry and continue her legacy. Patty O.
Michele Bodine says
January 18, 2026 at 12:09 amThinking of you during this difficult time. Linda was a beautiful spirit. Enjoyed talking to her at Franklin sports events or school events. We always loved the Callahan family. With love, Michele,Dave,Amanda,Eric and Brooke Bodine
Debbie Marks says
January 19, 2026 at 6:03 pmMost sincere condolences to the Callahan family for this great loss. I always enjoyed seeing Linda (and Pat) on walks with their dog while I was walking mine. Always so kind and friendly. I will miss her wonderful smile.
Julie says
January 19, 2026 at 8:54 pmPat,
You and your family are in my prayers!!!! I remember our school days and working at the Little Italian kitchen together fondly! Linda truly was a beautiful soul and those of us whose lives she touched were so truly blessed! Hold strong in your faith, that she is still with us in spirit and that she is at peace in the most beautiful place.
Love, Julie (Gangawer) Corsey
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