Lasting Memories
Marion Sullivan
July 13, 1924-May 5, 2016
Palo Alto, CA
With Lovingest Memories,
Marion Alberta Cutler Sullivan, born July 13, 1924, passed on May 5, 2016.
Marion was born at a time when life was such that no matter what happened, you persevered. Having lost both parents before the age of 10, she and her siblings were taken in by various family members. In Marion's case, she lived with her cousin, Dorothy Morrin, and her Aunt Julia and Uncle Will Morrin.
Growing up in Chicago, she weathered the Depression, WWII and bouts of severe health challenges. She met her future husband, Joe Sullivan, after WWII at a USO sponsored dance.
Joe proposed in 1946 and they were married at St Sabina's Church in Chicago.
Joe and Mare moved from Chicago to Redwood City in 1950 then to Palo Alto in 1955.
Marion had six children, Bill, Bob, Tom, Jim, Eileen and Joan, and mothered many a wayward wanderer. Roberta, Jody, Susan and Annie G. to name her top tier favorites.
Marion was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Her grandkids are Joey, Danny, Cliff, Julia, Ede, Rosie, Marshall, Katie, Jesse, and Georgia Rae and her great-granddaughters, Mia and Penny.
Marion was important to so many people and in so many ways.
Marion held various jobs at Besse Bolton Children's Center, Green Gables Elementary School, Gunn High School (as the Sloppy Joe Lady), all the while herding her family through the tumultuous times that were the 60s and 70s.
Her ability to persevere was tested time and again, and she never failed to find value in life's twists and turns, sharing a smile or an unsolicited pearl of wisdom no matter what the challenge.
Marion was in her Palo Alto home of 60 years surrounded by her loving crew when her time came. We all will persevere, as she has shown us the way.
This world is truly a better place having seen the likes of Marion, we will do well to mirror her path as best we can.
June 27, 2016
This was just so beautifully written! What a brief, perfect capturing of her life
June 13, 2016
June 13, 2016
I knew Marion as "Mrs. Sullivan." I grew up next door to the Sullivan's and was always in awe of such a large family, and often wondered how she managed them. The thing I remember about Mrs. Sullivan was her laugh; she was always laughing, no matter what was going on. I always knew that if I ever got in trouble or was scared, I could always go to the Sullivan's house and I would be safe. God bless you, Marion Sullivan, you were an angel on our street and now you are one in heaven as well. I love you, The Youngest Smith, Kelley
June 13, 2016
Living next door to the Sullivan family was a wonderful experience with Marion as the glue that held everything together and provided much love and laughter. She was an inspiration and it was a delight knowing her.