Beverly J. Sullivan

Beverly Jean (Hunt) Sullivan, 93, beloved wife of the late Don Sullivan, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family and caregivers on November 19th, after several years of declining health and a recent battle with a bone marrow disorder.

Born November 21, 1930, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Beverly was the daughter of J. Raymond and Mabel (Matthews) Hunt. At a young age, her family moved to South Bend, Indiana. Upon graduating from St. Mary’s Academy, Beverly began working at the University of Notre Dame; first in the library; and then as secretary to the Vice President of Academic Affairs under the beautiful “Golden Dome”. It was at Notre Dame that she met a handsome student, Don Sullivan, and they were married on campus on November 22, 1952. When asked later in life if she went to college, Beverly said she didn’t, but that she had helped run one! An avid Fighting Irish fan, she always looked forward to watching ND football games, even through her final weeks. She was a strong and feisty Irish woman who never lost her sense of humor. After losing her husband in 2010, Beverly lived alone and independently right up until her illness. Her faith and quick wit helped her endure the many challenges that came her way. She often said, “Why won’t they just let me be 93?” Maybe that’s why God called her two days before her 94th birthday. 

In 1957, Beverly and Don moved their young family to Fairfield, CT. When her youngest was in elementary school, she worked as a secretary; and later as a bookkeeper for a busy group of surgeons, working into her early 70s. Beverly always loved having her hair done weekly, right up until the beginning of the pandemic. After months of staying in her home, she was overjoyed to venture back to the hair salon; when it became too difficult to get out, she then found someone who would come to her! 

A deeply religious woman, Beverly always attended Sunday Mass in person and watched the daily Mass on TV. When the pandemic hit, she watched Sunday Mass on TV as well. Throughout her illness, healthcare providers knew to schedule their visits either before or after the daily Mass so as not to interfere. When asked how she was doing, she would respond, “I’m hanging in”, never wanting to give up the fight (“Not yet”). Due to her strong faith, she would endure whatever cross she was given to bear. 

Beverly loved dogs and always perked up when in their company. She also enjoyed shopping and was known for being well-dressed and accessorized. Buying and wrapping gifts brought her great pleasure. She was very generous and did for others out of the goodness of her heart. But above all else, Beverly loved her family and spending time with them. She always looked forward to any family gathering and always wanted to stay to the end, chatting with everyone. She was proud to be the matriarch of four generations. Her blue eyes twinkled with joy at the sight of her loved ones. On daily phone calls with her children, she kept up on all the family happenings. When a social worker asked her what she did for fun, Beverly replied, “Be with my kids.” She loved her family above all else; she found it hard to let go and leave them, even when reminded of being reunited with deceased loved ones. She was always happy to brag to others about her wonderful family and felt they were the reason why she had lived so long. Family was truly the light of her life. 

Beverly leaves behind her cherished family including five children, 12 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren, with another one on the way. Children: Sue Darrow (Roger), Terry Seymour (Nick), Michael Sullivan, David Sullivan (Beth), Patty Benner (Ron), and daughter-in-law Debbie Sullivan. Grandchildren: Christopher Sullivan (Anna), Matthew Hunt, Kaitlyn O’Brien (Matthew), Megan Pryor (Adam), Kelly Walsh (Corey), David Sargeant (Gina), Nicholas Seymour, Jennifer Abramson (Brian), Amy Frechette (Brian), Lindsey Sullivan, Jake Sullivan, and Tom Stablein, Jr.(Colleen). Great-Grandchildren: Abigail, Julia, Emily, Jack, James and Rose Sullivan; Owen and Nolan O’Brien, Emma and Gracie Pryor, Charlotte Walsh (soon to be big sister), Isaiah and Avery Sargeant, Brayden and Addyson Abramson, Cameron and Jackson Frechette, Connor, Will and Brendan Stablein. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. In addition to her loving husband of 57 years, Don, and her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Greg Sullivan, brother, John Hunt and his wife, Lois, and a son-in-law, Tom Stablein.

Beverly will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory and loving spirit will live on in our hearts forever. She lived a full life centered on faith and family; and set an example for her children to be loving, kind and prayerful. May she rejoice in the bliss of heaven. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 55 Ryder Road, Ossining, NY 10562, to continue the missionary work of Beverly’s late brother-in-law, Rev. J. David Sullivan, M.M. The family extends their heartfelt love and gratitude to mom’s special caregivers, Karen and Mimi, who made it possible for her to remain home. These loving women were a source of comfort to all of us and truly became family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 4700 Madison Ave., Trumbull. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may call Friday from 3-7 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield.