Bernadette M. Callahan
Date of Passing:
Bernadette M. Callahan (Carter), 67, of Riverside, Rhode Island, passed away unexpectedly at Miriam Hospital on March 16, 2026.
Bernadette lived her life with the belief that God was with her always. She loved nothing more than spending time with those she loved and sharing her faith.
She once dreamed of becoming a nurse and carried that instinct to care for others throughout certain parts of her life. She worked in a nursing home when her kids were young and held a special compassion for the elderly, believing strongly that no one should feel alone. She encouraged her daughter to volunteer hosting bingo at a local nursing home, reflecting the community spirit she had towards older generations who might have felt left behind.
She was quick and funny when the mood suited; traits she shared with her brothers and sisters, with whom she loved joking and playing pranks with and on. Coming from a musical family, Bernadette and her siblings loved playing and singing music together. Highlights of her holidays were spent singing along to the guitars while the whole family joined in. She was generous in spirit and often found ways to give to others. Bernadette had a passion for shopping and could be found ordering from QVC at any time of day!
A devoted Catholic, she found comfort in prayer and shared that faith with her siblings. She enjoyed simple moments in life like watching the sunsets at Latham Park with her sister Anne and heading to the beach for the day with her husband.
Her children were grateful to witness her heart most clearly through the love, warmth, and joy she gave to her grandchildren.
Their Nana will be remembered for her generosity, her excitement for every sleepover, and the way she made those times unforgettable—where gifts had no limits and “no” was rarely, if ever, an answer.
Bernadette is survived by her husband, Daniel R. Callahan; her children, Melissa Wishneusky and her husband Mark Wishneusky , Caitlin DeAngelis and her husband Jared DeAngelis and Johnpaul Callahan and his wife Loryn Callahan; and her beloved grandchildren, Zachery Pereira, Mia DeAngelis, Violette Wishneusky, Michael Wishneusky, Veronica Wishneusky, Isaiah Wishneusky, and Caleb DeAngelis.
She is also survived by her siblings, Elizabeth J. Nadrowski, Miriam A. Bergeron, Esther “Doreen” Carter, Anne B. Hughes, Joseph C. Carter and his wife Beth Carter who was like a sister to her. She was predeceased by her siblings Paula J. McEnaney, Steven J. Carter, Thomas G. Carter, and Francis E. Carter, as well as her parents, Madeline and Thomas Carter.
Calling hours will be held Friday, March 20, 2026 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4–7 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside, on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 12pm. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Bernadette’s family would like to invite everyone for food and refreshments at St. Martha’s Church at 2595 Pawtucket Ave, East Providence, immediately following the cemetery.
Contributions in Bernadette’s memory made to Little People of America C/o Shaun Wyatt, PO BOX 33 East Hampstead, NH 03826 would be deeply appreciated.
I am so sorry for your loss. May your hearts be consoled by the love of Christ and His Blessed Mother.