Shirley Callesen

Shirley Callesen, age 83, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility on Sunday, March 19, 2017. She had been ill with Alzheimers for many years. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence "Cal" in 2007 and her daughter-in-law, Benedikte from Copenhagen, Denmark. Shirley was born in 1933 in Algona, IA, to Clarence and Camilla Metzger. Cal and Shirley had two children. Shirley was a medical secretary for various physicians in California for several years. Cal and Shirley lived in California for 20 years prior to moving to NM. In 1976, they purchased Albuquerque Vending which later became Canteen of Central New Mexico and they moved to Albuquerque. The company continues to thrive today under the direction of her son, Kevin Callesen. Shirley loved to sing and dance, whistle, socialize with friends, garden, volunteer at her church and various civic and fraternal organizations. She was also very involved in the activities and arts and crafts at Brookdale as well.
Shirley is survived by her children, Kirk and Kevin (Martha); her grandchildren, Christian and Natalie; and all her lovely extended family; her brothers, Clarence (Barbara), Robert (Shirley), and sister, Connie Metzger. Pallbearers will be Jim Studerman, Troy Barnhill, John McCarthy, John Manzanares, Shaun Anaya, and Eric Manzanares.
Rosary will be recited Thursday, April 6, 2017, 7:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. Friends may visit beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 7, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Our sincere gratitude to all the staff at Brookdale who became a second family to Shirley. Rest in peace mama Callesen, you are free.



FRENCH - Wyoming
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
(505) 823-9400