Byrnece W. Calligan, age 99 of Dayton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Centerville Place Assisted Living. She was born on January 17, 1927, in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Arnold & Mary (Vermeulens) Walder.

Mrs. Calligan found joy in cooking, gardening, her cats and all animals, and cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a tender devotion to her son Jeff and held a special place in her heart for people with special needs.

Preceded in death by her husband, Ronald James Calligan, Sr., who passed on April 11, 1994; her brothers, Kenneth Walder and Kermit “Buddy” Walder; and her sisters, May Laauwe, Vivian Younger, and Marian Welch.

She will be lovingly remembered by her three sons, Ronald J. “Jim” Calligan, Jr. and wife Darlene, John “Jack” Calligan, and Jeff Calligan; three grandchildren, John Calligan, Ronald Calligan and wife Ellen, and Alex Calligan and wife Jen; eleven great-grandchildren, Bekah, John, Josiah, Lainey, Myles, Vivian, Esther, Aurora, Everly, Lilyana and Madi; dear friends, Marilyn Smith and Brenda Childress; her beloved cat “Peanut” and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Evergreen Cemetery, 401 N. Miami Ave., West Carrollton. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (1 hour prior to the graveside service) at the Swart Funeral Home, West Carrollton. Procession will leave the funeral home at 11:15 a.m.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in Byrnece’s memory to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, 1661 Nicholas Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45417.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and offer condolences at www.swartfuneralhome.com. Expressions of sympathy, love, and care may be sent to The Family of Mrs. Byrnece W. Calligan, C/O Swart Funeral Home, 207 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton, Ohio 45449.