Pauline Marie Sullivan

Pauline Marie Sullivan
1930-2007
Devoted to Family and Faith

Pauline Marie Sullivan passed away peacefully and beautifully in her home, August 2nd, surrounded by her loving family.

As she demonstrated during her 76 years, Pauline's last months were lived with grace and courage. Upon learning she had terminal pancreatic cancer in January, Pauline embraced her faith and her family, trusting in God's plan for her remaining time.

Pauline was born in Chicago, Ill. on September 16th, 1930, to Ernest and Pauline Pellkofer. The depression hit, drawing the family westward. So at the age of four, Pauline, her parents and two brothers (Ernie, Robert) packed up the 1932 Chevy and headed for southern California. Pauline finished her schooling at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in Pasadena, Calif.

She married the love of her life, Robert Vincent Sullivan, in 1952 and soon began a family that would stretch to eight children in just over a 12 year span. After living on a working ranch in Tonopah, Nev., they moved to Ashland in 1961.

Through the child-rearing years of the 50's and 60's, Pauline focused on creating a dynamic, creative loving environment in their home. Once her youngest child entered grade school, Pauline went back to Southern Oregon University to earn her Bachelors Degree in Education in 1977, followed by her Masters. She then taught in the Ashland School District, at Lincoln Elementary School for 15 years.

In retirement, Pauline rekindled her love of the arts by participating in painting courses and expressing herself through her natural gifts as an artist. She loved children, cats and the gorgeous walking garden on her property.

Pauline was a devoted parishioner at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church for all 46 of her years in Ashland. She relished her lifelong association with the church and the strength that it provided for her. She also enjoyed many years in a swimming class at the YMCA, as well as active involvement in the Retired Teachers Association.

Following 52 beautiful years of marriage, Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Bob, in 2004. They had an inspirational and beautiful partnership. While Pauline dearly missed him, she capably and admirably continued leading the family's real estate business.

Pauline is survived by her eight children, Bob Jr. (Nanci), Christopher (Pam), David (Sally), Martin (Marilyn), Shawn, Pauline, Lisa Roberts (Jim) and Julie Mackinnon (Rob). Her grandchildren, Andrew, Greg, Mathew, Scott, Christopher, Julie, Hannah, and Sam Sullivan, Brendan, Keltain and Lukaiel Reece-Sullivan, Benjamin and Joshua Roberts, Sharayah, Celeste, and Charissa Mackinnon and Chris Long.

Rosary will be held Friday, August 10, 7pm, at Litwiller-Simonson Funeral Home in Ashland. The funeral service will be Saturday, August 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church in Ashland, followed by a reception at The Church. Internment will be at Scenic Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Pauline Marie Sullivan's name to: Ashland Hospice and Palliative Care; Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church and/or C.A.T.S. (Committed Alliance to Strays).