Send Flowers
Timeline for Amber Renee Callen
Born: October 29, 1981
Died: July 22, 2022
Amber Renee Schumann Callen
October 29, 1981 – July 22, 2022
Amber was born in October of 1981 in Rialto, California. She was a bright, happy baby and toddler. She was excited when her siblings were born, and really took to being the “big sister”.
She started school in California, then moved with her family and siblings to Washington state around 7 years old. The family moved again in 1991, settling in Tucson. Amber often said that she liked Tucson because it felt like a small town but still had a lot to do.
She attended elementary school and junior high in Tucson. She was attending Marana High School when she had her first child, Tyler in 1997. She went on to graduate high school in 2000.
In October of 2002, Amber married Thomas Callen, about 2 years after they met. This extended her family, adding a step-daughter and various in-laws. Amber had always talked of wanting a daughter, and loved being able to help raise Hope.
She had her second son, Matthew, in 2005, and her youngest, Jace, in 2008.
After high school, Amber began working at various retail jobs before landing at AFNI.
She went to work for AFNI in approximately 2009. She continued to work for AFNI until her passing, moving up in responsibilities over time. During her time there, she once again developed many long-lasting friendships, including a “work wife”.
Amber enjoyed taking “girls trips” with her close friends, as well as a yearly trip to the beaches of southern California, usually with family. She was introduced to Corona Del Mar, the beach my sisters and I always went to while growing up, and fell in love with it as we had as kids. On her last trip to the beach, we watched a dolphin play in the shallow water and she was so excited and happy by that. Other favorite places included trips to the mountains, such as Mt Lemmon or Flagstaff, and Las Vegas. She also celebrated her most recent anniversary with Thomas with a trip to Vegas, and planned to continue that tradition in the years to come.
Amber could maybe best be defined by her music. It was a crucial part of her day, and you never knew what she might pick next. Her favorite seemed to be country, but she was willing to give nearly any genre a try. She enjoyed going to concerts when she got the chance, and would dance and sing along when she was in the mood.
Over the last couple of years, she had discovered a love of baking, and would make treats to share with family and friends on a regular basis (except for in the summer, because no one in Tucson bakes in the summer!!).
Since her passing, people have said many things about Amber:
Her cousin Bethany called her “the sister I didn’t yet have when we were young”
Her sister Krystal called her “the best sister I could have asked for – always there when needed, and always great with Kaylee and Owen”
Her brother, Kris, said that she almost always had a smile and had a great impact on everyone’s lives.
Her brother Tony called her a loving sister, mother, and wife.
Her daughter, Hope, said she was an amazing woman, an amazing mother, and that she was glad Amber was a part of her life.
Jamie, a family friend, said she was a great mom, aunt, sister, and niece. That she was a fighter, a lover, a dependable daughter, a reliable employee and a fun friend. Jamie said I should also say that Amber was sassy, sexy, and fun….but I can’t say that, I’m her aunt!!
Our cousin Kristin said that Amber blessed the lives of many – as well as remembering Amber’s love for all things glittery and sparkly.
Her Aunt Judy noted that Amber’s passing was entirely too soon.
Kelly said Amber was the best part of her, her rock, and a huge support during trying times.
Kimberly said the world will be a little darker without Amber’s smile shining bright. .
Friends have called her kind, positive, and amazing. One friend called her the ultimate boy mom. Nearly all of her friends have mentioned feeling lost without Amber to turn to for support. But I think my favorite was the friend who said that Amber was a badass lady who always got shit done.
And I agree. Amber was a person who always seemed to know exactly what she wanted, and usually managed to get it.
She made a point to build traditions with her family. Monday night spaghetti. June beach trips. Christmas pajamas you opened on Christmas eve, and decorating her home for each season.
She recognized the value of experiences and time spent together. She did her best to include the most important people in her life in the things that mattered most to her.
She was determined to ensure that her two youngest children had the experience they want to have in high school. She was so excited to be the Marching Band mom for Jace, and to help Matthew navigate the obstacle course that choosing and applying for college can sometimes be.
Amber often seemed to be a person who followed trends, but I’ve come to realize that the trends that she followed usually ended up leading to either making her family better somehow, or making herself better somehow.
Amber had developed many relationships with people she met online. Despite never meeting in person, she had developed true friendships with people and these friendships had a positive impact on her outlook on life. These friends have shown the depth of their connection with Amber in their expressions of grief and offers to help the family through this process.
Amber passed away suddenly on July 22, 2022. She was loved by many, and her impact will be felt in big ways and small ways, for a long time to come. She is greatly missed.
Amber’s light shone bright to all who knew and loved her. She was a dedicated mother to her boys, and I was always impressed by how she devoted herself to them from such a young age, never wavering. My deepest condolences to Jace, Matthew, Tyler, and Tom. May her memory forever be a blessing to all who knew her.
Amber so much to say and no clue where to start .... I think I've typed and deleted this about 200 times at this point... there aren't words to describe the impact you've had and the hurt we all feel now that you're gone... knowing you get to be free to smile and sing your heart out will be bring some peace to the pain ... forever missed forever loved and forever remembered.... RIP Beautiful ... my condolences to her family her loved ones and her friends
Sorry for your lose
You went away to soon but now heaven has gained an angel that likes to dance and has a huge variety of music for everyone. Rest easy and know your friends and family love you.
Amber.. I absolutely fell in love with you as 1 of my dearest friend soulmates from the moment you I met you and the room filled with the scent of bananas. That became OUR memory that always made us smile and giggle. Not a day will go by where I see or smell bananas and dont think of you. I still havent fully excepted that you are gone. But I am peaceful knowing that you are in a better place with all of our loved ones looking out for us all. And knowing that when my time comes you will be there with open arms. I love and miss you so very much.. Until we meet again my beautiful friend. Rest in Paradise..
Amber honey you were the sweetest soul and would always help me on my toughest calls at Afni.. Wed laugh and joke and talk about our families.. it was clear you loved your children with your entire being and it is sad that you’re gone - you are at the right hand of of creator now in perfect peace watching over them now.. rest easy sweetie.
I love you aunt amber ❤️
I love you aunt amber I'm gonna miss you I will from now on always listen to the advice you gave me about my parents ❤️ thank you for always being there ♥️
You're my rock my best friend my confidante. You know all my secrets all my truths and loved me for who I am anyway. You had the best heart to a fault and accepted the worst when you deserved the best. You were an AMAZING mom and wife. You were so proud of all you kids. You overcame so many obstacles and were just about to be where you always wanted to be in life. I'm so proud of the person you were and loved watching you achieve all the goals you made for yourself. I watched you struggle with anxiety and put that all aside when anyone, (including me, ) needed you. You were always a take charge let's fix this person. You were my person. I love you so so much. Nothings going to be the same without you.
I have known Amber for atleast 19yrs. We didn't talk all the time but we always talked at the right moment for each one of us. I have so many memories with her but one stands out and goes to show exactly the loyal friend she always was. I had and ex husband that was a husband at the time that was posting some nasty stuff about me. I couldn't see anything because they somehow ghosted me from my account. I got a call from Amber at like 6am advising me of what was posted and she without hesitation messaged them and told them off. When Amber is passionate about something she made her voice known. When I gained control of my account again and saw that she had jumped on and told them hey to stop saying all these bad things about her friend, because what they described of me she says is not the Tamara she knows. Without hesitation she stood by my side and never faltered or judged me even when I got myself in some trouble many years ago. Amber is the perfect example of what a 100% loyal friend is. I am truly blessed to have known her for the time I did. My only regret is I didn't get to spend more time with her. Now I have been watching all her TikToks and my heart is heavy that the rest of this world won't get to see this amazing woman do what she did best, Make us smile. Till we meet again my beautiful friend please watch over us all and know we all lost part of our hearts the day you were called home to recieve your angel wings.
Amber had terrible anxiety and she would come to me at times to help her calm down. We had worked together since Verizon Landline, so I have so many many many memories that I will forever cherish of Amber. My most memorable is her love for her family. Unconditional and never ending love.
We were not best friends but we were friends thanks to Tony it is so hard to think of you and knew that you are gone you did so much to change your life you are a great mom a great sister a great person and you will be missed it's nice to know though that you're in heaven looking over everyone you love here on Earth you are now in your kingdom with the man upstairs and you Hurt No More watch over your babies and see them grow learn Marrie and have their own from above. I share my love for you and my thoughts and prayers for your family
To the entire family I send my condolences. Amber will be missed as not matter what she was going through she always was able to light up the room. We are always here for you all!
Date: Saturday, August 20, 2022
Time: 10:00 am
Help tell the story of Amber by contributing to the Life Event Timeline. Upload the photo of an event...
Post an Event
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
Amber’s light shone bright to all who knew and loved her. She was a dedicated mother to her boys, and I was always impressed by how she devoted herself to them from such a young age, never wavering. My deepest condolences to Jace, Matthew, Tyler, and Tom. May her memory forever be a blessing to all who knew her.
Amber so much to say and no clue where to start .... I think I've typed and deleted this about 200 times at this point... there aren't words to describe the impact you've had and the hurt we all feel now that you're gone... knowing you get to be free to smile and sing your heart out will be bring some peace to the pain ... forever missed forever loved and forever remembered.... RIP Beautiful ... my condolences to her family her loved ones and her friends
Sorry for your lose
You went away to soon but now heaven has gained an angel that likes to dance and has a huge variety of music for everyone. Rest easy and know your friends and family love you.
Amber.. I absolutely fell in love with you as 1 of my dearest friend soulmates from the moment you I met you and the room filled with the scent of bananas. That became OUR memory that always made us smile and giggle. Not a day will go by where I see or smell bananas and dont think of you. I still havent fully excepted that you are gone. But I am peaceful knowing that you are in a better place with all of our loved ones looking out for us all. And knowing that when my time comes you will be there with open arms. I love and miss you so very much.. Until we meet again my beautiful friend. Rest in Paradise..
Amber honey you were the sweetest soul and would always help me on my toughest calls at Afni.. Wed laugh and joke and talk about our families.. it was clear you loved your children with your entire being and it is sad that you’re gone - you are at the right hand of of creator now in perfect peace watching over them now.. rest easy sweetie.
I love you aunt amber ❤️
I love you aunt amber I'm gonna miss you I will from now on always listen to the advice you gave me about my parents ❤️ thank you for always being there ♥️
You're my rock my best friend my confidante. You know all my secrets all my truths and loved me for who I am anyway. You had the best heart to a fault and accepted the worst when you deserved the best. You were an AMAZING mom and wife. You were so proud of all you kids. You overcame so many obstacles and were just about to be where you always wanted to be in life. I'm so proud of the person you were and loved watching you achieve all the goals you made for yourself. I watched you struggle with anxiety and put that all aside when anyone, (including me, ) needed you. You were always a take charge let's fix this person. You were my person. I love you so so much. Nothings going to be the same without you.
I have known Amber for atleast 19yrs. We didn't talk all the time but we always talked at the right moment for each one of us. I have so many memories with her but one stands out and goes to show exactly the loyal friend she always was. I had and ex husband that was a husband at the time that was posting some nasty stuff about me. I couldn't see anything because they somehow ghosted me from my account. I got a call from Amber at like 6am advising me of what was posted and she without hesitation messaged them and told them off. When Amber is passionate about something she made her voice known. When I gained control of my account again and saw that she had jumped on and told them hey to stop saying all these bad things about her friend, because what they described of me she says is not the Tamara she knows. Without hesitation she stood by my side and never faltered or judged me even when I got myself in some trouble many years ago. Amber is the perfect example of what a 100% loyal friend is. I am truly blessed to have known her for the time I did. My only regret is I didn't get to spend more time with her. Now I have been watching all her TikToks and my heart is heavy that the rest of this world won't get to see this amazing woman do what she did best, Make us smile. Till we meet again my beautiful friend please watch over us all and know we all lost part of our hearts the day you were called home to recieve your angel wings.
Amber had terrible anxiety and she would come to me at times to help her calm down. We had worked together since Verizon Landline, so I have so many many many memories that I will forever cherish of Amber. My most memorable is her love for her family. Unconditional and never ending love.
We were not best friends but we were friends thanks to Tony it is so hard to think of you and knew that you are gone you did so much to change your life you are a great mom a great sister a great person and you will be missed it's nice to know though that you're in heaven looking over everyone you love here on Earth you are now in your kingdom with the man upstairs and you Hurt No More watch over your babies and see them grow learn Marrie and have their own from above. I share my love for you and my thoughts and prayers for your family
To the entire family I send my condolences. Amber will be missed as not matter what she was going through she always was able to light up the room. We are always here for you all!
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.