Carolyn Mae Callahan

Carolyn Mae (Tolin) Callahan, 87, of Topeka, formerly of Gardner, KS, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026.

She was born January 4, 1939, at Bancroft, Kansas, the daughter of James W. and Dorothy (Cary) Tolin. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1957.

Carolyn was employed by Motorola and retired after many years of service, but she also gave piano lessons for over 50 years.

Mrs. Callahan was a former member of the Antioch Community Baptist Church, Spring Hill, Kansas.

Carolyn was first married to Gary M. Hoffsommer in 1958, and they later parted ways. She then married Dr. Marion G. Callahan in 1974. He preceded her in death on January 30, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Fred H. Hollenbeck of Wichita, Kansas, and stepson-in-law Joe Boyd of Kansas City, Kansas..

She is survived by her three daughters, Michelle Hollenbeck of Colorado Springs, CO, Debra (Shane) Young of Jasper, AR, and Lori (Mike) Means of Berryton, KS. Carolyn is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren (with two more due later this year), her brother James W. (Raye) Tolin, Jr. of Roxboro, NC and Ed (Sharon) Tolin of Auburn, KS, along with their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by stepdaughters Anna (Rick) Shain of Marysville, KS, Sandy Callahan of Wellsville, KS, Margie (James) Breeding of Wellsville, KS, Renee Callahan-Boyd of Kansas City, KS, and stepson Howard Callahan of Kansas City, KS, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carolyn greatly enjoyed playing the piano, and instilled a deep love for music in her daughters, who are all musicians. For decades, she used her God-given talents as a pianist and organist for her church, weddings, and memorial services. She was also known to regularly attend the school music concerts of her piano students, including serving as the accompanist for band students on occasion. Carolyn had great compassion and love for all her “piano families.”

In keeping with Carolyn’s request, no services are planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice of Topeka, KS.

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