Mary J. Sullivan, 86, of Leicester died at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in the tender loving care of her family on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
Born on January 3, 1928 in Worcester, Mary was the daughter of James E. and Maude (Langley) Shannon. Mary graduated from Ascension High School in 1945. On July 9, 1949 she married John F. Sullivan, Jr. and began their family in Worcester before moving to Leicester in 1965. In the later years while raising their eight children, Mary worked part-time as a New England Telephone operator and at Masterman’s as an office receptionist.
In addition to her beloved husband of 65 years, Mary leaves her children, John and his wife, Nancy of Phillipston, Paul and his wife, Susan of Vero Beach, FL, David and his wife, Debra of Sutton, Robert and his wife, Elizabeth of Southwick, MA, Daniel of West Boylston, Beth Shea and her husband, James of Leicester, Kevin and his wife, Peggy of Rutland and Marianne Griffiths and her husband, Scott of Leicester. Mary leaves 25 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; her sister, Harriet Flynn of Worcester as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her brothers, Paul, Robert and James; her sisters, Helen Moore and Jane Morrissey and Kim McCullough, her son Daniel’s fiancée.
Mary deeply loved family, her friends and the St. Pius X community. While celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Holy Father Benedict XVI sent his Apostolic Blessing. She enjoyed many family celebrations, vacations to Hampton Beach with extended family and vacations at the Outer Banks as well as traveling with her brothers, sisters and their spouses. A generous and remarkable woman, Mary was recognized by Governor Mitt Romney as a Commonwealth Volunteer for her efforts at the Leicester Senior Center.
Family and friends will honor and remember Mary’s life by gathering for calling hours at O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester on Thursday, November 13th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. Family and friends will gather again on Friday, November 14th in St. Pius X, 759 Main Street, Leicester where Mary’s funeral will be held at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rose Monahan Hospice Home, VNA Care Network, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.