Obituary of Micki Samara O'Callaghan

Micki O'Callaghan lived her life with joy. Like a ray of sunshine, she enveloped everyone around her, bringing family, friends and strangers into her embrace. It is with sadness that we announce her passing. Micki Samara O'Callaghan of Basking Ridge, NJ, was a mother of six and a retired entrepreneur who reveled in hosting parties, traveling the world and spoiling her thirteen grandchildren. She died peacefully at home on March 29, 2022 of heart failure at the age of 74 years. Born in Staten Island, NY, on June 27, 1947, to Pearse and Catherine "Mac" O'Callaghan, she was the second of ten children. After her graduation from St. Peter's High School, she attended St. Catherine of Sienna in KY to study to become a nun. Fortunately for her future children, she felt a different call and returned to Staten Island to eventually start a family. Micki had boundless energy. While raising her children, she cooked and hosted family events, started her own businesses and continued her education. Her first degree, an Associate of Applied Science from the College of Staten Island in NY, was earned in 1969. As she encouraged her children to do well in school, she also set an example, persistently pursuing higher education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in 1991 and a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Rowan University in NJ in 1993. She even returned to earn an Associates in Funeral Service in Miami, FL, in 1998. Micki was a lifelong entrepreneur, envisioning new businesses and bringing them to life. Her quick speech and natural charisma made her a perfect salesperson. She created her first business, Chocolate Cornucopia Craft Supplies, in Easton, PA, in 1980. With a manufacturing facility as well as retail locations, it was quite a start as an entrepreneur. Later she had a real estate and mortgage brokerage in FL, and she was a licensed travel agent with her own agency. Throughout Micki was always a present mother, and often freshly baked cakes could be seen on the counters. She was a voracious reader of mystery novels but had a special fondness for reading cookbooks before bed, earmarking recipes to try for her family. She instilled a love of learning in her children as well as travel. Three of her children joined the Army to 'protect and see the world.' She loved visiting far-flung friends and cruising, and visited countries, such as Dubai, Costa Rica, Finland and Ireland. Embodying a heart of service, Micki was involved in the O'Callaghan House in Staten Island, part of Project Hospitality and named after her parents. Every December, she would lovingly wrap heaps of gifts, provided by her siblings and family, and distributed them to the residents. She looked forward to the Christmas cheer as much as they did. Micki's heart belongs to her six children: Edward Eick Jr, wife Christine Eick and children Tyler, Carson and Adeline; Eric Eick and wife Joyce Kuwae; Brian Eick, wife Kristin Eick and children Johnathon, Paige, Eve and Gabriel; Bethany Dziedzic, husband Andrzej Dziedzic and children Cormac, Liam and Keegan; Kevin Eick, wife Manjula Chava and children Manav, Keera and Meena; and Gregory O'Callaghan. She is survived by her three sisters Susanne O'Callaghan, Catherine O'Callaghan, Marjorie Ryan, and brother-in-law John Walker, and five brothers, Ed O'Callaghan, John O'Callaghan, Tom O'Callaghan, Frank O'Callaghan, Mark O'Callaghan, and sisters-in-laws Carole O'Callaghan, Lori O'Callaghan, Elizabeth Esposito and Sharon O'Callaghan. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Michael O'Callaghan and brother-in-law Tim Ryan. She is also survived by many dear family and friends, including Sofia Sierra, Tracy and Maureen Meiners, Noel Molina and many others too numerous to list. Her love was boundless. The viewing for Micki O'Callaghan will be on Sunday, April 3, from 11 am – 2 pm and 4 – 6 pm, at August Schmidt Memorial Home in Elizabeth, NJ. At 1 pm, a prayer service will be led by Terry Troia. The burial will be on Monday, April 4, with a prayer service at approximately 11 am, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ. Micki loved colors and wanted everyone to wear colorful clothing at her wake. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to her granddaughter Adeline at www.gofundme.com/f/adeline-prevails or The O'Callaghan House - Project Hospitality at 718-448-1544 ext. 116 or projecthospitality.org.