Helen Frances O'Callaghan

The family of Helen Frances Briscoe O'Callaghan lost its warmest and kindest member on November 24, 2018, when she passed away in Shreveport, Louisiana. Frances, or "GiGi" to her grandsons, was born in Starkville, Mississippi on July 29, 1941 to Aubrey Morrison Briscoe and Norine Frances Kimbrell. After the early death of her mother, Frances was raised by her father and her stepmother, Mildred Lucinda Whitten. Frances graduated as the salutatorian of her class at 16 years old from Senatobia High School, where she was also Ms. Senatobia High, the yearbook editor, and an award-winning trumpeter in the band. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, at 19. She was recognized as the outstanding chemistry student in her class based on her academic achievement. She earned her Master's Degree in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Her thesis research elucidated the effect of diabetes on the innate immune system, especially on the impairment of macrophages to control bacterial infections. Her work was well received and generated more than 400 requests for a reprint of her published study. Frances then began work as a medical geneticist at the medical center, where she met her husband, Dr. Dennis John O'Callaghan. They were married on June 24, 1967, in Jackson. Dennis and Frances moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1968, where Dennis completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and Frances continued her work as a medical geneticist at the University of Alberta Medical School, conducting blood protein studies with the Inuit indigenous people. They returned to Jackson in 1971 when Dennis joined the faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The couple moved their family to Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1984 when Dennis became the Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the LSU Health Sciences Center, a position from which he retired this April. France is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Dennis, son Caddo District Judge Brady Dennis O'Callaghan, daughter-in-law Amy Vogel O'Callaghan, twin grandsons Logan Brady O'Callaghan and Marshall Dennis O'Callaghan, brother-in-law Dr. Richard O'Callaghan, sister-in-law Jackie O'Callaghan, nephews Kevin O'Callaghan and wife Stephanie and Dr. Patrick O'Callaghan, and great nieces and nephews Caiti O'Callaghan, Lauren O'Callaghan, and Christian O'Callaghan. Frances was preceded in death by her parents Aubrey Briscoe and Norine Kimbrell Briscoe, as well as her stepmother Mildred Whitten Briscoe. Frances was an accomplished scientist and student. She was also a talented musician, playing the trumpet, piano, and guitar. She was also an excellent amateur tennis player, placing in numerous regional amateur tournaments during her time in Jackson. She loved playing bridge at the Bridge House and meeting with her LSU Health Sciences Book Club and Women's Club. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved to cook for her friends and family, always adding Louisiana dishes to her base of Mississippi southern cooking knowledge. Frances was a highly regarded artist. Frances began studying art at Hinds Community College, and continued her studies for three years in the art department at the University of Alberta. She also took classes at LSU-Shreveport and participated in numerous workshops with recognized artists. Frances went on to become an accomplished painter, specializing in watercolor. She was a member of the Shreveport Art Society, Louisiana Artists, and was the President of the Hoover Watercolor Society in Shreveport in 1991. She earned membership in several regional art societies by having multiple paintings selected for awards in juried shows, including the Southwestern Watercolor Society, the Louisiana Watercolor Society, and the Mississippi Watercolor Society. Her work has been displayed in the Louisiana Governor's Mansion and she has had her own exhibition in the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Two of her works were selected for national publication in "Splash 11", a national collection of American watercolors. Her works were mostly nature, architectural, or character studies that highlighted her fascination with people and the space in which they live. Frances applied her art skills in her charity work with Arts in Medicine at the LSU Health Sciences Center Feist-Weiller Cancer Center and enjoyed introducing cancer patients to the skills of art and painting by helping them create their own artworks. She was also active in her support of Reach Out and Read, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, Operation Support Our Troops, and the Centenary College Book Sale, where she volunteered every year. She was an avid attendee at the Shreveport Symphony, and contributed a painted violin featuring conductor Michael Butterman for a symphony fundraiser. Frances was also a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Shreveport. Frances' greatest joy was bringing happiness to her family and friends through sharing her abundant gifts and talents. Her grandsons Logan and Marshall were her particular delights and her favorite art subjects. Their GiGi will be sorely missed by everyone to whom she brought life and light. The family is grateful to everyone who shared her life with us, and is particularly grateful to Dr. Pratap Reddy and his staff at LSUHSC who worked so hard for so many years to sustain Frances' quality of life and extend her time with us all. Frances showed great courage over her entire life fighting a chronic heart condition. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2018, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 6012 Youree Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m., with the service commencing at 11 a.m. Rev. Betsy Eaves will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations in her memory may be made to the O'Callaghan Family Endowed Professorship fund at LSU Health Shreveport Foundation at 920 Pierremont Rd., Suite 506, Shreveport, LA 71106 or www.lsuhsfoundation.org/ocallaghan. "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart." --Eleanor Roosevelt