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RHINEBECK, N.Y. -- Maretta (Metta) Callahan, a resident of Rhinebeck, died Friday, April 22. She was 56.
She graduated from Rhinebeck High School in 1977 and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from SUNY Albany.
After living in Turkey, Germany, and Spain for several years, she settled in New York City and then returned to Rhinebeck with her family in 2007. She taught English as a second language and edited ESL instructional materials in countries all over the world. She loved people and found great joy exploring new cultures, and learning new languages.
She is survived by her children Nathaniel and Nora and their father, Daniel Shanahan; her mother Marianne Callahan; her sister Susanne Callahan and her husband John Katomski.
She was predeceased by her brother Kevin and her father.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of the Messiah in Rhinebeck on Saturday, April 30, at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall until 6 p.m.
Flowers may be sent to Dapson Chestney Funeral Home. Or in lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Metta's name to the non-profit organization Culture Connect (formerly Young Rhinebeck; youngrhinebeck.org). Culture Connect is a non-profit youth organization that develops programs that connects young people to their local and global communities. Donations may be sent online or to PO Box 590, Rhinebeck, NY.
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