“Mary was a pillar of San Francisco’s Irish-American community and her tireless advocacy, joyful spirit and gregarious nature helped forge vital new bonds between our city and the communities of Ireland. As a founding member of the San Francisco-Cork Sister City Committee, she laid the foundation for a partnership that has lasted more than 30 years.

Beyond that, Mary was a beloved member of the City family, skillfully serving the people of San Francisco as our Treasurer for nearly two decades. She was famous for her lovely singing voice and impromptu songs, and City Hall was often filled cheerily with Mary’s distinctive voice.

I always enjoyed my encounters with Mary and will look back on our many conversations with a smile. She will be missed.”

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As a mark of respect for the memory of Mary Callahan, flags will fly at half-staff at City Hall on the day of her funeral, Monday, September 18.