Maxine E. (Smith) "Max" Callahan

Maxine Evelyn (Smith) Callahan, age 89, a long-time resident of Mohawk, passed away Thursday morning July 15, 2021 at Alpine Nursing and Rehab, Little Falls. At the time of her passing, she had the love and support of her family by her side.

Maxine was born on May 5, 1932 in Fort Plain, NY the daughter of the late Everett and Laura (Vosburgh) Smith. She attended Fort Plain schools and graduated with Fort Plain’s “Class of 1949.” Maxine then went on to become a bookkeeper, then a waitress. She married in 1957.

She loved fashion and at one time opened her own shop, Maxine’s Fashions, in Herkimer followed by several years of employment at the Vogue. Many years later, she opened the Variety Gift Shop in Mohawk.
As time went on, Maxine found her true passion of antiques, so she opened a bigger shop. She spent many years antiquing- buying, selling, sharing and met many wonderful friends along the way. Maxine closed-up shop and retired at the age of 85 but continued to do flea markets and other antique shows and she loved to go to garage sales with her daughters on Saturday’s.

Maxine was the matriarch of a five-generation family. She loved to say, “I may not be rich, but I am rich in family.” She raised five daughters who gave her many grandchildren and they went on to give her many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Maxine was predeceased by her eldest daughter, Cheryl Baumes, brother Leon Duesler, sister, Marilyn Haggerty, Marilyn’s spouse, George Haggerty, and nephew, Franklin (Frankie) Colvin, aunts, Evelyn and Jeanette Vosburgh.

She is survived by her daughters, Candice Colvin (her significant other Ron) of Pecks lake, Patty Callahan, Terri (and spouse Kevin) Sterling, and Sue Callahan, all of Mohawk. She is also survived by her beloved son in law of 51 years, John Baumes of Tully, her beloved grandchildren, John Baumes(Christa), Angela Horning, Christa Burda (Jeff), Jeremy Callahan, Matthew and Marshall Sterling, and Joslyn Callahan, six great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her niece Bonnie Tyler (Bob), nephew Mark Duesler (Vicky) and niece, Cindy Duesler.

Maxine touched many lives and will be missed by all. Rest in peace Max.

The family will be holding a celebration of life for Maxine commencing on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 12 pm and ending at 4 pm at Mohawk American Legion, 43 W. Main St., Mohawk, NY. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Maxine’s name to your local American Cancer Society or to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413. Maxine and her family’s care has been placed in the trust of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131