Amalie C. Callahan

Amalie C. Callahan, 82, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, at Friendship Manor, Rock Island.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home.

Amalie Caroline Smith Callahan was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, on November 10th of 1943. Her father, Paul George Smith, was a violin teacher from a long line of musicians; her mother, Mary Emma Williams Smith, was a music teacher from a family of engineers, professors, and farmers. Amalie's family moved to Illinois soon after she was born, when her father accepted a job as a music teacher in the Moline school system. Amalie grew up playing violin from a very young age, and soon added cello and viola to her suite of instruments. Amalie's younger brother George learned to play the cello as well, and their house was always filled with music.

After Amalie graduated from Moline High School in 1961, she attended the University of Illinois, where she took a degree in Psychology. After graduation, she volunteered to work at the newly created Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program in Los Angeles, helping poor people get legal assistance. It was here that she met Charles Callahan, and they were married in April of 1966.

Amalie's life centered around her musical instruments, but she had a variety of other experiences – including getting a Master's degree in psychology and another in mathematics. She even taught psychology for a few years at Blackhawk College in Moline. But her primary interest was in teaching and playing violin, cello, and sometimes even the viola. She taught many children and adults to play, including her children and four grandchildren. She herself played in many local orchestras – including the Tri-City Symphony, Knox-Galesburg, Clinton, Augustana, Blackhawk, St. Ambrose, and numerous pit orchestras for local theater companies. She was the solo violinist in Circa 21's 1977 production of "Fiddler on the Roof."

Amalie was a strong-willed, independent-minded person with a passion for social justice and helping animals and the poor. She was an active member of South Park Church in the early 1970s, committing herself to their social justice campaigns of the time. Although she was never wealthy, she contributed to dozens of environmental and pro-science causes, and had solar panels installed on her roof the moment they became available. In addition to her music, she proudly supported Bernie Sanders, and loved her garden, science fiction, puzzles, and dogs.

Amalie is survived by her loyal labrador retriever Chompsky, two children, Miranda (Sam Kamin) Callahan of New York City, New York, and Michael (Amie) Callahan of Moline; and four grandchildren, Rai Callahan, Bryn (Hailey) Callahan, Matthew Callahan, and Bailey Callahan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, and her parents and brother, George Smith.

To honor Amalie, please be kind to the dogs and animals in your life, and donate to causes that protect our environment, our planet, and our fellow human beings.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.