Patricia Deming Sullivan

Patricia Deming Sullivan died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Feb.11th, 2009 at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Arthur Bland Sullivan, her daughter Evelyn Sullivan, her daughter-in-law Hilary Sullivan and her sister Mary Farrell and brothers Archibald and Edward Deming. She is survived by her children Brian Sullivan of Vancouver, B.C., Janice and Tom Mortenson of Greenville, N.Y., Craig and Lucinda Sullivan of Roxbury, VT, Beth and Chris Parker of Piscataway, MD, Gerry and Heather Sullivan of Pomfret, CT, Arthur and Lisa Sullivan of West Hartford, CT, her sister Lee Collins, her sisters-in-law Ann Deming and Mary Bland Sullivan, 32 grandchildren, 20 and counting great-grandchildren and many loving relatives and friends. Pat grew up on Bainbridge Rd in West Hartford with her parents Dr. Edward Adams Deming and Evelyn Staley Deming and her siblings. She attended Mt. St. Joseph's Academy and Albertus Magnus College before graduating from Smith College as an English major. In 1939, while working at Hartford Hospital, she met a handsome intern named Arch Sullivan, who became a local family physician and the love of her life. Shortly after their marriage, in September 1941, Arch left for 3 1/2 years of overseas duty in WWII. Upon his return, they moved to 177 Sedgwick Road in West Hartford. For the next 60 years, "177" was home to their seven children and scores of friends, neighbors and every outdoor game ever invented. In 2006, she moved to Grennan Rd where she delighted in being "Grandma Pat" with both Arthur's family and her new neighborhood friends who enjoyed her wisdom, love and humor. Selfless service to others was her lifelong passion. Her heart for service was most evident in her devotion to her husband and children. She served others extensively in activities such as Meals on Wheels, Literacy Volunteers and nursing home visits. She also worked for fifteen years as a classroom aide with disabled children. She was a woman of great faith and committed to her family's involvement in their church community at St. Thomas and later St. Helena's. She had a special fondness for early morning Lenten Masses at the Holy Family Monastery. One of her greatest enjoyments in life was summers on Wolfe Island. This was the location of the original farm and home of her mother's family along the St Lawrence River in Canada. Here she spent many months as mother, sister, grandmother, Aunt Pat and friend. She served as family historian, project director, advisor and nurturer, while enjoying "The Island's" sunsets, fishing, swimming and sense of community. With her father and siblings, she ensured the continuance of this glorious legacy. All who knew Pat were affected by her energy and godly spirit, reflected in that smile, those bright eyes and her sense of humor. Her life was lived selflessly and relationally. Her last days were marked by continued engagement with others and a deep peace arising from her abiding faith. She is truly missed and remembered with love. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 11:00 am with a memorial service in the Church of St. Helena, 30 Echo Lane West Hartford. Burial will be private. Friends may call Friday from 4-7 pm at the Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Memorial donations may be made to the Gengras Center, a special education facility, 1678 Asylum Ave. West Hartford, CT 06117. On line expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Patricia Deming Sullivan

February 11, 2009 - February 11, 2009