Genevieve Catherine Sullivan, beloved Mom, Nana, and G.G., passed away peacefully on June 7, 2024, at the age of 93. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, to Constance and Bernard McDermott, Genevieve was the first of five children, with three sisters, Ruth, Joan, and Marianne, and one brother, David.
Genevieve graduated from Danbury High School in 1949 and from Grace New Haven Nursing School in 1952. She married the love of her life, John L. Sullivan, on April 11, 1953. Together, they had six children: John, Mark, Tim, Mike, Joy, and Karin. Tragically, John passed away on August 19, 1967. With remarkable strength and resilience, Genevieve raised their six children alone while returning to her nursing career. For 20 years, she dedicated herself to the medical field, including 15 years as an operating room nurse. She was a proud member of the first organ transplant team in South Florida, contributing to medical history and saving countless lives.
Genevieve was also a dedicated member of her community and church. She was the founding member and President of The St. Ambrose Guild, where she was a parishioner for 40 years, reflecting her lifelong commitment to faith and service.
After retiring, Genevieve moved to Blairsville, Georgia, where she became a store owner with her sister, Ruth Wood, and her long-time companion, Harry Murray, until his passing in 2000. Genevieve’s life was marked by her unyielding spirit, compassion, and dedication to her family and community. During her time in Blairsville, she volunteered at Union General Hospital and spearheaded the Make a Wish program at Union County Nursing Home, where she volunteered weekly for many years.
Genevieve is survived by her six children, 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, her sister Marianne, and her brother David. She touched their lives deeply, and they will carry her legacy forward: John Sullivan and his two children, Ashley and Jack, and two grandchildren, Luke and Smith.Mark Sullivan and his three children, Mark L., David, and Cortney, and 11 grandchildren, Christian, Logan, Ava, Liam, Ariel, Mariah, Luke, David, Ezekiel, Wyatt, and Isla, and great-grandchild Riley. Tim Sullivan and his wife Debbie, their four children, Carlos, Meghan, Erik, and Peter, and grandchildren Raphael, Brennan, and Anja. Mike Sullivan and his six children, Shaun, Shanon, Britteny, Brandon, Courtney, and Carly, and grandchildren Ford, Vaida, Cason, Easton, Emma, and Bodie.
Joy Sullivan Long and her husband Bill, their three children, Genevieve, Wil, and Sullivan, and four grandchildren, Grayson, Clark, Lyla, and Reese. Karin Sullivan Waters and her husband Phil, and their two children, Katie and Jake.
Genevieve’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, and dedication. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and the values she instilled in her family will live on forever.
A funeral mass will be held to celebrate Genevieve’s life on July 26, 2024, 9:30 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Deerfield Beach, Florida.
