Mary Elizabeth (Markham) Sullivan, a longtime resident of Andover and beloved wife of the late Joseph C. Sullivan, passed away on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026 at the Meadows in North Andover. She was 84 years old. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on February 28, 1941, she was the beloved daughter of the late Walter J. and Marion A. (Mullaney) Markham. Known by all who knew her as “Marybeth” she was a petite but mighty force, a kind soul and joy to be around. She was always on the move - from early days of ballet and equestrian competitions to tennis and aerobics years later. Although an only child, she grew up in a tight-knit family where her many Markham, Mullaney, and Honan cousins were just like brothers and sisters.
She came from a family of educators. Her mother was a schoolteacher. Her father was the Associate Commissioner of Education in Massachusetts and is credited with initiating the concept of regional vocational technical schools within the state. After graduating from Lowell High School and The College of New Rochelle, Marybeth served as a teacher in Lowell and Andover. She finished her career as Principal of the Greater Lawrence Technical School located in Andover. She was an innovator in technical education like her father. During her tenure she led a massive renovation project to improve the school’s facilities, reworked the curriculum developing a freshman academy, and brought the school closer to the community by running a vibrant Parent Advisory Committee.
In her spare time Marybeth volunteered for several youth-focused organizations, most notably the Andover based “Dollars for Scholars” program and “The Andona Society” serving as its president. An avid reader, she was one of the original members of a local book club that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021. She loved to cook and formed a gourmet club with her friends to share their love of good food and great company. She also remained very close to her college friends and their families (Maloney’s and Grzesinski’s) which made for many memorable family vacations.
Upon retirement, she and her husband Joe loved to travel and spent years exploring the world with dear friends Sandy and David Bertetti forging new friendships around the globe. When back home she enjoyed long walks along the beach near her home in Rye Beach, NH and eventually on the trails of the Edgewood Retirement Community in North Andover. Over the last 5 years she received marvelous care from the staff at Edgewood.
Throughout her life the role she seemed to love the most was as a mother and grandmother. Even when robbed of the ability to speak due to aphasia, she was still able to communicate through those steel blue eyes and beautiful smile - and of course, those undeniable Marybeth expressions! She will be forever missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Marybeth is survived by her loving children; daughter Deirdre "Dede" Sullivan of Rye Beach, NH, son Dennis and his wife Dana Sullivan of Needham and grandchildren; Will, Caroline, and Grace Sullivan, all of Needham. She was also the loving mother of the late Mark Sullivan.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover on Tuesday January 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Monday January 26, 2026 from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be held in the St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell.
Donations in Marybeth's memory may be made to “Jog Your Memory 5K Run and 1.5 Mile Walk for Alzheimer’s”, 56 Nichols Road, Needham, MA 02492. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.