Sally Callahan

Sally Callahan, a revered attorney, mentor, and family matriarch, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born on August 27, 1944, in Waverly, New York, to Ned Kornblite Jr. and Betty Ann Hewitt. Sally grew up in Chatham, Cape Cod, a place she adored for its beauty and tranquility, and she often spoke of her cherished memories there, which remained a source of lifelong joy.

A lifelong learner, Sally earned her bachelor's degree from Sacramento State College before attending McGeorge School of Law, where she passed the bar in 1972. For decades, she was a tenacious and compassionate advocate in family law, serving not only as an attorney and certified family law specialist but also as a judge pro-tem. She was a dedicated mentor and a trailblazing example for countless women entering the legal field, known for her sharp wit and unwavering commitment to her clients.

Beyond her professional life, Sally had a great passion for history, particularly the world's royal families. She was an avid collector of books on the subject, building an extensive library with volumes on the monarchies of Russia, India, the United Kingdom, and beyond. She also shared her love for the sea on their boat in Canada with many lifelong friends.

Sally is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Callahan, who passed away in 2023. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Zachary and his wife Diana, Harold, and Tami. She is also survived by her stepsons Christopher and Shawn as well as stepdaughter, Nancy Polom, and her husband Mark. Sally was a proud grandmother to Cierra, Jarod, Julian, Joshua, Sam, Maeve and Maille, and Emily.

Her legacy of hard work, grit, and compassion will be cherished and carried on by her family, friends in Benicia and Canada, and the many lives she touched through her mentorship and legal work.