Barbara Clare (Hoenig) Calloway

Barbara “Barb” Clare Calloway (82) was called home to heaven on April 27. 2022 after battling illness. She remained  in her home with her family and friends at her side as her caregivers. 

Barb was the youngest of 3 children, born in Chicago, IL on January 29, 1940 to Elmer and Helen (Lyson) Hoenig.  She lived in Western Springs IL until 5th grade when she moved to Coloma MI and met her lifelong best friend Janie Rasmussen(Peterson, Staggers) and her brother Rick Rasmussen. She grew up in Coloma, and graduated from, Coloma High School in 1958. She remained involved with many of her graduating class for reunions.  After graduating high school, she trained as a Radiologic Technologist, beginning her career at Berrien General Hospital, working many years for Osteopathic Surgeon Dr. Dean Hudnutt with a trio of lifelong friends (Betty, Pam & Tam) that became family of the heart. When Dr. Hudnutt retired in the early 80’s, she attended Michiana Community Hospital’s accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and became a Sonographer (RDMS) at Berrien General hospital, while her daughter was the Sonographer in the next county over. They often consulted together with their Radiologists on challenging cases and continued their love of patient care and discussing challenging cases for many years.  Barbara’s career in diagnostic medicine had many challenges, but her joy was in her OB patients and the thousands of babies she imaged, including her own grandchildren. Barb was a lifelong member of and active in St Joseph Catholic church until she was no longer able to serve, she made many friends within her church family that she cherished. 

Barbara was a devoted grandmother to not only her own 3 grandchildren, but to several grandchildren of the heart. She enjoyed traveling with her friends and family, celebrating holidays in LaPorte with some of her favorite people, and eating out or going to plays and movies with friends and family. She volunteered at her church and lived the life of a generous and devoted care giver in her personal life as well. 

Barbara continued her parent’s example of acceptance and love by adding  many new “family of the heart” from her children’s friends and her own special friends. Her acquired family of the heart include dear friends: Betty Stover and her children, Pam and Steve Subka and their children, Tam Mason(Lori Shilts) and son, Tonah Mason and son, Len Rothrock(Sue) and their children,  Rick & Melissa Lara and their amazing daughter Linda a grandchild of the heart. Barb had friends that she played cards with until many of them were no longer able to do so, their treasured friendship continued into her illness as they frequently communicated with her and sent gifts that brightened her days. Barb’s  life was also enriched by many of her lifelong neighbors.

Barbara is survived by her brother and sister in-law Eugene and Margery Hoenig of Tucson Arizona, Daughter Kelly Calloway of NW Florida, son Kevin Calloway of Custer, Montana, Grandchildren Paige Yore of St. Joseph, MI, Zane Yore of Coloma, Michigan, Jordan Calloway of Phoenix, Arizona, Niece who was like a daughter to her Dyan (Dabicci) Yore, Watervliet, MI,, Cousins Bob and Carol Hoenig LaPorte, IN, Kristina (Hoenig) Gurnicz and Darrin Gurnicz,, Danielle (Hoenig) Davis and Rick Davis, and nieces and nephews Greg Dabicci, Bob Dabicci and Julie Dabicci , Andrew Myers, Gregory Myers,  ex brother in-law William (Jerry) Myers, niece Catherine Hoenig and nephew Michael Hoenig

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Elmer & Helen Hoenig, her sister Marilyn Dabicci and brother in-law Robert Dabicci and her ex sister in law Helen (Calloway) Myers and too many dear friends to name.

 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Hospice or the Make A Wish Foundation as it was something she supported.

There will be a viewing at Hutchins funeral home in Watervliet on: Thursday May 5th from 5-7 pm

 

A Catholic mass will be held at St Joseph Catholic church in Watervliet on Friday May 6th at 11:00 am

A luncheon will follow at Watervliet Free Methodist Church in Watervliet.

 

There will be no graveside service attendance as her children wish that to be private. She will be buried across from her parents in the St Joseph Catholic cemetery in Watervliet.

 

MAKE A WISH: there is a link to click and mail information as well

https://wish.org/

HOSPICE: there is a link to click and mail information as well

https://hospicefoundation.org/Donate