Joan McCallum

The family of Joan McCallum announces her passing on December 18, 2024 at Buckingham’s Choice in Adamstown. Joan was born on April 23, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, the third of seven children born to Arthur and Irene Waldmann. Joan attended high school and college in Detroit, graduating from Mercy College with a degree in Medical Technology. She lived and worked in the Detroit area for several years and it was during that time that she was convinced by her sister Barbara to send an unsolicited “pen pal” letter to an American soldier stationed in Korea. The intended recipient refused the letter, and another soldier, Dwight McCallum, serendipitously picked it up and responded. Thus began a months-long exchange of letters, photographs and voice tapes between Dwight and Joan. Meeting in person for the first time on March 18, 1957, Dwight and Joan were engaged the next day and married on August 24, 1957.

After marrying, Dwight and Joan spent a short time at Ft. Benning, Georgia and then relocated to the Washington, D.C. area, ultimately settling in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was there that they raised their three children, first in Rockville, and then Boyds where they enjoyed over 20 years on their beloved farm. Joan worked as a medical technician, with her career culminating in a years-long position running the in-house lab for a large pediatric practice in Gaithersburg. In addition to her career, Joan discovered a love of china painting, creating many beautiful pieces that she gifted to friends and family. 

After retiring, Dwight and Joan moved to New Bern, North Carolina and then relocated again to Fayetteville, Pennsylvania to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In 2014, they moved to Buckingham's Choice in Adamstown, Maryland, where they made many friends among the residents and staff. 

Joan was predeceased by her parents, brothers Art, Bob and Joe and sister Irene. Her beloved Dwight passed away in October 2021 not long after his 90th birthday and their 64th wedding anniversary. Joan is survived by her sisters Barbara and Betty; her son Rick (Kimberly), of Venice, Florida; daughters, Kathy, of Bethesda, Maryland and Betty (Barry) Nail of Edgewater, Maryland; 10 cherished grandchildren; and 14 adored great-grandchildren. Joan was very proud of her family, and they all loved her dearly.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Buckingham’s Choice for their loving care of Joan and Dwight over the past 11 years, and Frederick Health Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Joan during the last weeks of her life. A private memorial service will be held by the family, who ask that those who wish to, make a donation in Joan’s name to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701 or online at www.frederickhealthhospice.org