GLOUCESTER: Mary L. Sullivan, known to some as “Mother Mary”, age 74, passed away at home on Thursday, September 4, 2014. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, beloved sister, Joanne and close friends. She was born August 12, 1940 in Winthrop, MA, the daughter of the late Joseph and Leah (Gallagher) Sullivan.
Mary grew up in East Boston and Chelsea. She attended North Shore Community College and Lesley University, receiving a degree in psychology. She enjoyed her life, radiated an infectious smile, exuberant personality and a wonderful sense of humor. She would do for others or give to people, even if she had to go without. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and writing poetry, traveling, motorcycle riding, dancing, cooking, and watching the sunrise out of her living room window. Mary was always one to have a good time and loved to be with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed hosting her annual cookouts at Salem Willows. Mary spent many mornings at Two Sisters (her daughter’s restaurant) and made friends with patrons, always engaging in conversation and laughter. She had a love for butterflies and they will hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew her.
Mary is survived by her children Mary Reynolds, Thomas Reynolds and wife Lisa, Joan Reynolds, Jacqueline Phinney and husband John, Patricia Philbrick and husband William, Laverne Saputo and husband Peter, Shawn Reynolds and wife Terri; grandchildren, Leah Briere, Lonnie Philbrick, Aaron Poole, Elizabeth Phinney and fiancé Thomas Scola, Janieka Jones and fiancé David Cruz, Kyle, Keith, Maggie, Ezekial & baby Azriella May Reynolds, Morgan Johnson, Antonio Saputo and his fiancé Samantha Jones, Andreaz, Ardriana, Alessia and Bryan Saputo, Alexis Starbird and Joseph Richard; six great- grandchildren, Emily, Cassidy, Lucas, David, Maya and Victoria. Mary is also survived by brothers, Martin Sullivan and Harvey Deveau of Florida, Joseph Sullivan and wife Mary of Chelsea, sister, Joanne Bowen and husband Joseph of Fitchburg, many nieces and nephews and special sister-in-law, Barbara Glidden of Salem. In addition to her family, Mary had many close friends, including Julia “Marie” Burda, Cheryl Parco, Linda Balduff, special friend Susanne and her cats, Pancake and Bruce. Mary was also predeceased by infant son Patrick, her beloved companion, Gordon “Jose” Nichols, sister, Dorothy McPherson, sister-in-law, Alice Sullivan, son-in-law, Arthur Tucker, grandchildren Joelle and Sasha Reynolds, and her special pets Princess, Bud and Boots.
The family wishes to thank all whom cared for her during her illness. The nursing staff in the ICU and Steele I at Addison Gilbert Hospital, Dr. Arsenian, and her hospice nurses.
A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church St., Gloucester, Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 11AM. Everyone is invited after the service to join her family for a celebration of her life at Camp Spindrift, 57 Atlantic St. Gloucester, MA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Open Door Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930.