Rosaleen Sullivan

1923 - 2017

Rosaleen (Fitzgerald) Sullivan. 3/24/1923 - 1/30/2017 We've lost a bright light here on earth - one that is now shining on us from heaven. Rosaleen- was born to Irish immigrants Nellie (Walsh) and James Fitzgerald on March 24, 1923 and was the youngest of three sisters. She would often say "we grew up poor, but we never knew it". Always surrounded by a large extended family they were rich in simple moments, family stories, lifelong friendships, and always a song. Predeceased by her beloved husband 'Sully" (Warren H Sullivan), and her dear sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and John Hennessey, she leaves to mourn her passing: her sister, Sr. Mary Fitzgerald, CSJ of West Hartford, CT; her children, Eileen Sullivan and husband Dr.Jack Brozna of Denver CO; Dr. James Sullivan and wife Mary of Pawtucket RI, and Rosemary Sullivan and husband Dennis DeCesare of East Hartford, CT; her Grandchildren,Caitlin (Brozna) and husband Matt Smith, Jennifer (Sullivan) and husband Tim Mathien, Sarah Brozna and husband Colin Campbell, Anna Brozna and fiancé' Dietrich Henderson, Michael Hummel, and Luke Sullivan; her great grandchildren, Grace and Cooper Mathien, and many dear cousins and friends. Rosaleen was a working mom long before that became the norm. During WWII, she was part of the Traveler's secretarial pool. Always fearless, mom showed up to work in bobby socks when nylon stockings were required, but scarce due to the war. She nearly caused a walk-out by the entire pool until management agreed to change the dress code to 'support the war effort'. Rosaleen's last and favorite job was being part of the Guidance Department team at East Catholic High School for many years. Here she supported so many students complete their college selection and application process - watching them move on to the next exciting chapter of their lives. Rosaleen was devout in her faith, and lived it each day - always helping anyone in need. She taught her children to be honest, humble, and kind in all things - to cherish family and enjoy simple things. The smell of salt air in the summer, finding shapes in the clouds, a sparkling full moon on a crisp winter night, the first robin of spring, and always, always a good song. Her family wishes to thank the many wonderful people who helped care for and protect our mom when she could no longer remain at home. The Religious and Nursing teams at the Sister's of St. Joseph Convent Infirmary in West Hartford, St. Lucians Home in New Britain, and for the last 4 years, Kimberly Hall North in Windsor, CT. We also want to thank the Nurses and Doctors at St. Francis Hospital Emergency Department and Palliative Care on 7-1, who took such tender care with our mom and us this past week. Funeral service will be Friday, February 3, 2017 at 9:30AM from the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial, 10:30AM at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Rd. Burial will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery, 930 Burnside Avenue, all in East Hartford. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Thursday February 2, from 4PM-7PM. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com To help celebrate Rosaleen's life, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: the Sister's of St.Joseph, 27 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119, St.Judes Children's Hospital, or the charity of your choice.