Sabine Y. Callaghan
October 10th, 1965 - June 17th, 2025
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Sabine's Obituary
Sabine Callaghan, a loving and devoted wife, mom, and Oma (grandmother), passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in Traverse City, Michigan surrounded by family. She was 59 years old.
Sabine was born in Darmstadt, Germany, to Elke and William “Butch” Barthel on October 10, 1965. When she was a year old her family moved from Wixhausen, Germany to South Haven, Michigan, her father’s hometown. She lived in the beautiful small beach town of South Haven for the remainder of her life. When she was young, she traveled to Germany every summer, and in the years that followed, maintained frequent contact with her German relatives. She could speak fluent German and was very proud of her German heritage.
Sabine graduated from LC Mohr High School in South Haven, Michigan in 1984. She met her soulmate, Brendan Callaghan, when they worked together at Wyckoff Chemical Company. She lured him into her office with candy and that beaming smile. Their shared sense of humor deepened their mutual attraction and kept them laughing for 24 years. Sabine and Brendan married in 2001 and raised their three children, Alex, Cameron, and Patrick.
Sabine was a fun, selfless, and unique person with a heart of gold. She was strong-willed and independent, giving every endeavor her all. She always went the extra mile to help anyone in need and performed thoughtful gestures to ensure everyone felt cared for and special. As a longtime resident of the community, it seemed as though Sabine knew everyone in South Haven and was a cherished resource as a result. She was socially active with local friends and maintained numerous friendships both locally and globally. She frequently made humorous posts on social media about her addiction to Starbucks, her love of hippos, trips to IKEA, and the joy of ironing. She enjoyed traveling and everything German. As her family and friends can attest, what was most evident about Sabine was how much she treasured her family. She was happiest when they could all be together. She was a proud and loud swim team mom (“Momma Bear”) and was very active in her children’s lives. She was also a doting grandmother. She had a way with children and was naturally nurturing. Sabine celebrated every relative and friend’s birthday and recognized every anniversary. She strove to be the first to send wishes and thoughts. She was a devoted caregiver to both of her parents when they fell ill. She modeled compassion for others and a strong work ethic.
Sabine was preceded in death by her parents, Elke and Butch Barthel, and her nephew Tyler Barthel. Sabine is survived by her husband, Brendan, their children Alex, Cameron, Patrick, and granddaughter River. She also leaves behind her brother Andreas, his wife Cheryl, and their children Nicole and Stephanie, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends. She will be dearly missed by so many.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m and Wednesday, July 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 South Bailey Avenue, South Haven, Michigan 49090. The memorial service will be held at the Filbrandt Chapel on Wednesday, July 9, at 12:00 pm. Sabine’s nephew, Alex Paiz, will officiate. Sabine will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery. Please visit Sabine’s personal webpage and share a fond memory at www.starksfamilyfh.com
Sabine was born in Darmstadt, Germany, to Elke and William “Butch” Barthel on October 10, 1965. When she was a year old her family moved from Wixhausen, Germany to South Haven, Michigan, her father’s hometown. She lived in the beautiful small beach town of South Haven for the remainder of her life. When she was young, she traveled to Germany every summer, and in the years that followed, maintained frequent contact with her German relatives. She could speak fluent German and was very proud of her German heritage.
Sabine graduated from LC Mohr High School in South Haven, Michigan in 1984. She met her soulmate, Brendan Callaghan, when they worked together at Wyckoff Chemical Company. She lured him into her office with candy and that beaming smile. Their shared sense of humor deepened their mutual attraction and kept them laughing for 24 years. Sabine and Brendan married in 2001 and raised their three children, Alex, Cameron, and Patrick.
Sabine was a fun, selfless, and unique person with a heart of gold. She was strong-willed and independent, giving every endeavor her all. She always went the extra mile to help anyone in need and performed thoughtful gestures to ensure everyone felt cared for and special. As a longtime resident of the community, it seemed as though Sabine knew everyone in South Haven and was a cherished resource as a result. She was socially active with local friends and maintained numerous friendships both locally and globally. She frequently made humorous posts on social media about her addiction to Starbucks, her love of hippos, trips to IKEA, and the joy of ironing. She enjoyed traveling and everything German. As her family and friends can attest, what was most evident about Sabine was how much she treasured her family. She was happiest when they could all be together. She was a proud and loud swim team mom (“Momma Bear”) and was very active in her children’s lives. She was also a doting grandmother. She had a way with children and was naturally nurturing. Sabine celebrated every relative and friend’s birthday and recognized every anniversary. She strove to be the first to send wishes and thoughts. She was a devoted caregiver to both of her parents when they fell ill. She modeled compassion for others and a strong work ethic.
Sabine was preceded in death by her parents, Elke and Butch Barthel, and her nephew Tyler Barthel. Sabine is survived by her husband, Brendan, their children Alex, Cameron, Patrick, and granddaughter River. She also leaves behind her brother Andreas, his wife Cheryl, and their children Nicole and Stephanie, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends. She will be dearly missed by so many.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m and Wednesday, July 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 South Bailey Avenue, South Haven, Michigan 49090. The memorial service will be held at the Filbrandt Chapel on Wednesday, July 9, at 12:00 pm. Sabine’s nephew, Alex Paiz, will officiate. Sabine will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery. Please visit Sabine’s personal webpage and share a fond memory at www.starksfamilyfh.com
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