Irene M. Callahan, formerly of Mechanicville, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. She was 81. Irene was born on April 6, 1930 in Nanticoke, PA, daughter of the late Stanley and Caroline (Megatz) Byczynski. She is the widow of Edward R. Callahan who passed away in 1980. Mrs. Callahan was a parishioner of Assumption/St. Pauls Church in Mechanicville. She also belonged to the VFW Post 6328 and the 1644 Henry F. Lefko American Legion Auxiliary. She was employed at Galante Paper Mill in Mechanicville and also worked as a home health aide. Survivors include a son, Edward J. Kielar of NJ, her grandchildren, Tami (Tamatha) and husband Steve Sornberger of Charlton, Todd Plummer of Scotia, Katy and Stephan Kielar all of Scotia, as well as her great grandchildren, Abigail Irene and Emily Caroline Plummer of Schenectady. Also long time friend of 54 years, Joan Pooler. In addition to her parents and her husband, she is predeceased by a daughter, Linda Plummer and her siblings. Relatives and friends may call from 5-6:30pm on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 319 Park Avenue, Mechanicville. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 in the funeral home led by Deacon Greg Mansfield. Burial will be in the family plot in St. Pauls Cemetery at the convenience of her family.