Holly Miller-Sullivan

Holly Miller-Sullivan, 67, of West Hartford, beloved wife of Gregory L. Sullivan for 37 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 4, 2017 after a short, but valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. An inspiring career woman who touched many lives, Holly leaves us as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor and friend. She made an impact on so many people, both personally and professionally, and will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. In addition to her husband, Holly is survived by her two daughters and their families; Megan M. Sullivan Dacey and husband Craig A. Dacey and their daughter Nora S. Dacey of Los Angeles, CA and Emma M. Sullivan Ells and her husband James F. Ells of Brooklyn, NY. Holly’s granddaughter, Nora, will forever remember her ‘Nana’. Holly also leaves behind a number of very special nieces and a nephew. Holly was born on December 27, 1949 in Farmington, CT, the daughter of the late William H. Miller and Arlene G. Miller. Holly’s childhood years were spent in Connecticut, Indiana and Pennsylvania with her parents and two sisters, Pamela M. Schussel of Mt. Pleasant, SC and the late Leslie M. Cantwell of Mt. Pleasant, SC. In 1967, she graduated from Upper Saint Clair High School, near Pittsburgh, PA. During her high school years, Holly was active in local church choirs. She attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Art History in 1971, and received a master’s degree in Public Administration at The University of New Haven. Holly had a distinguished career of over 30 years with the State of Connecticut where she held senior roles. She officially retired in 2004 as the Director, IT Contracts and Purchasing for the Department of Information and Technology. Prior to that, Holly served as the state’s Medicaid Contract Administrator for over twelve years. After her retirement, she continued to take on additional consulting roles and projects. In many ways, Holly’s career defined her. She truly loved her professional life and all of the people she had the opportunity to work with. Some of Holly’s most cherished relationships were those made through her work. Most recently, Holly found joy volunteering her time with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford where she led courses to help adults improve their reading and life skills. We will all remember Holly’s eye for the finer details in life. She took pride in planning family gatherings of all sizes. She loved interior design, home renovations and perfecting the art of gift-wrapping. Anyone who has ever received a gift from Holly understands the artistic touch she had. The family will be holding a private memorial service and will gather friends and family in the near future for a celebration of Holly’s life. Memorial contributions may be made to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (www.lvgh.org/donate/), 30 Arbor St. Hartford, CT 06106 or the Smilow Cancer Hospital Yale-New Haven at St. Francis (www.saintfrancisdonor.com), 95 Woodland Street. Hartford, CT 06105.