Martha McCallum

Martha “Marty” McCallum, 82, of Harlingen, Texas passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday morning March 8, 2022.

Martha was born in Houston, Texas, and lived there for most of her formative years. She attended college at the University of Houston where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education. After graduation, she accomplished her dream of becoming a teacher. She taught school in Houston for several years. Her students adored her as a teacher; and years later, she continued to stay in contact with several of her students.

While in Houston, she met her husband of 59 years, Don McCallum. In 1971, Martha, Don and family moved down to the Rio Grande Valley. This is where Marty would continue to teach school, (5th grade) and her husband Don would farm citrus. She enjoyed teaching elementary school in La Feria and she really cared for all her students.

Among Marty’s fondest memories was the time she spent living in La Feria, Texas. The house was out in the country on Rabb Road where both Don and Marty raised their family. They enjoyed fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice, fresh eggs daily from over a hundred chickens, and fresh vegetables from their garden. Somehow, while teaching and raising a family, she managed to get her master’s degree.

After that, she worked as an educational diagnostician for the Harlingen and San Benito School Districts for many years. Marty was also very adventurous; some would even say elegant and flamboyant. She definitely looked forward to her summer vacations. One of her favorite pastimes was taking long trips (excursions) with Don and the family. They traveled to Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Louisiana, and throughout the continental United States.

Marty and Don also moved around a lot; they never lived in the same house for very long. After a few years in one place, it was on to the next adventure. Marty also had many hobbies. One in particular was photography. There were always photographs and other prints hanging on the walls of their home. She clearly lived life to the fullest! She welcomed the challenges of living in different towns and cities and experiencing new situations. You could say Marty was never afraid to try new things or try out new hobbies. Quoting Frank Sinatra, Marty did it “her way”! However, of all her amazing hobbies and adventures, her true passion was teaching, especially fifth grade in La Feria – a true servants heart!

However, of all her achievements, her greatest attributes were the love and generosity she had for her family and toward others. Her family always came first: she truly loved and cared for her family – her husband Don, sons Michael and Eric, and her daughter Suzanne. We love her very much and she will be greatly missed.

Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Don McCallum; parents, Hiram and Evalyn “Memaw” Burke; and her sister, Mary Butler.

Left to treasure her memory are her children, Michael McCallum (Lisa) of Harlingen, Texas, Eric McCallum (Rosemary) of Nampa, Idaho, and Suzanne Dorman (Lanny) of Harlingen, Texas; her grandchildren, Lindsay McCallum (Clint), Lauren Reimers (Joshua), Patrick McCallum (Kylie), Brady Dorman and Owen Dorman. Martha leaves six great-grandchildren: Allegra, Eisley, Jude, Ryver, Grayson, Kenna and one on the way – Baby Kara; her sister, Nancy Ley, of Austin, Texas; four nephews, three nieces, and their respective families.

Martha’s family and friends will gather for a memorial service on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Harlingen with Pastor Phillip Hoeflinger officiating.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful ladies at Martha’s Care Home for the loving care they gave us during Marty’s stay.

One of Marty’s many passions was animal rescue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in memory of Martha McCallum to the Humane Society of Harlingen, 1106 Markowski Ave., Harlingen, Texas. 78550 (www.hshtx.org)