Nedine F. Sullivan

1935 - 2018

Nedine F. Sullivan

Reno - Nedine F. Sullivan, age 82, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on January 27, 2018, in Reno, Nevada. Nedine was born July 3, 1935, in Winnemucca, Nevada to Reeve Fagg, Sr. and Emelia Lasa Fagg. She grew up at Getchell Mine, a small mining community northeast of Winnemucca, where her father was the maintenance and construction superintendent. Nedine attended the one-room Clover Valley School through the 8th grade. She then went on to Humboldt County High School in Winnemucca, enduring the 90-mile round trip school bus ride each day. She graduated at the age of 15 in 1951 with honors, which included a four-year Harold's Club Scholarship to the University of Nevada in Reno. It was a big jump from Getchell Mine to Reno, but Nedine adjusted to it and earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting in 1955, at the age of 19.

Nedine was an active member and supporter of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority during and after her years at UNR. It was at UNR where she first met her husband-to-be, Frank Allan Sullivan, a member of the first graduating class of Manogue High School. He had just returned from two tours of duty with the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War. They were married June 10, 1956 in Reno and spent many happy years together, raising a loving family until Frank's death in 1996.

In her early working career, while attending UNR, Nedine spent summers in the Getchell Mine Engineering and Business Office working for General Manager Bill Newman and Underground Superintendent Bill Harrigan. After graduating from UNR, she was employed for a number of years at the Nevada Bureau of Mines on campus, working for her favorite Dean Scheid. With the birth of their three children, Frank, Reevi and Terry, Nedine became a stay-at-home mother for many years. She earned the title of Super Mom and Grandma and she loved them all. Nedine then re-entered the work world, where she was employed as accountant and office manager for engineering consulting firms, including Tom Cordova and George Ball. In her last position, she very much enjoyed working for George Shaw of Shaw Engineering.

Nedine was proud of her Basque and Scotch-Irish heritage and enjoyed the company of many cousins, aunts and uncles. To know Nedine was to love and admire her. She was not forward or outgoing but was truly a straight arrow. Honest to a fault, hard-working, very intelligent, ready to help any worthy cause or individual, and especially tying little brother Reeve's shoes so he would not be late for school. She could do anything she put her mind to, from being an expert at application of business computer software to employer tax laws, State and Federal. She could also expertly sew, paint, hang wallpaper, drapes, pictures or anything needing a screw or nail, level or tape measure, or fix just about anything that didn't work right. She loved playing tennis, basking in the sun by a pool or lake, but showed no interest in swimming. She often enjoyed lunch with family and friends at the Gold 'N Silver, usually for pancakes and basted eggs. She was never without her cup of coffee and cigarette, and intolerant of any critics. Her one dislike was politics and politicians.

Nedine was pre-deceased by her husband of 40 years, Frank Sullivan, her parents, Reeve and Emelia Fagg, and brothers Lenny and Terry Fagg. Nedine is survived by her sons Frank Sullivan (Julia) of Battle Mtn. and Terry Sullivan (Lori), daughter Reevi Sullivan (Eric Wentzel) and brother Reeve Fagg (Janette), all of Reno. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Breeanne and Amy Sullivan, Steffanie and Emilee Brockovich, T.J. Sullivan and Tucker Codega, and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Eileen Savage, her lifelong friend, cousin and supporter to the end, and during her last few years to cousin Dr. Clyde Sabala and wife Lyn. Nedine was one of a kind and will truly be missed but not forgotten.

There will be a private family service at Mountain View Mausoleum. Donations in honor of Nedine Sullivan can be made to the Delta Delta Delta Foundation, c/o 14951 N. Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75254.