SUSAN MARIE SULLIVAN

Sullivan, Susan Marie (Halligan) Of Brookline, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Boston, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Rose Marie (Buckley) Halligan. Known to her friends as "Susie", she graduated from Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, earned her BA from Boston College, and her MA from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Susie was a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart for many years, starting in 1966. She worked as an advocate for the poor and under-served in the South End of Boston throughout the 1970's and early 80's. Her strong spirit and enthusiasm led her to become a recognizable, beloved leader in that community. Susie was one of the co-founders of Casa Del Sol, a community-based school for women working to earn a high school diploma. She was instrumental in the founding of Casa Myrna Vasquez, a safe haven for women experiencing domestic violence. A member of United South End Settlements, she was also a tireless supporter of Rosie's Place after its devastating fire in 1984. Throughout her life, she was passionate about art and education. Susie was an early member of the Museum Council, and past chair of the annual gala at the Museum of Fine Arts. She was an active member of The Park School community, where her 3 daughters were educated, serving as Head of the Parents' Association, a member of the Board of Trustees, and later as Acting Director of Admissions and a Development Team member. In recent years, Susie co-founded the Urban Improv Mentoring Program, and served as the organization's first mentor. She was a member of The Chilton Club and the Woodstock Garden Club. Susie had an indomitable spirit and generously spread laughter and joy. She was a loving mother, a doting grandmother and a caring friend. Susie enjoyed bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome. She will be greatly missed. Susie is survived by her husband of 39 years, Daniel D. Sullivan of Brookline; daughters, Kristen McEntyre of New Orleans, LA, Anna Reiser of Santa Fe, NM, and Rebecca Wadman of Mill Valley, CA; grandchildren, Max Reiser, Wyatt Wadman and Harper Susie Wadman; a brother, Kevin Halligan of Marion and her sister, Sheila Halligan of Boston. Her brother, Robert Halligan, predeceased her. A Service will be held in the Chapel of the Most Blessed Trinity at Boston College Law School, 885 Centre St., Newton Thursday, Oct. 15 at 1:30 pm. Burial will be private. A Service also will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 pm at the family home in Woodstock. Her family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Susie Fund at Urban Improv, 8 Saint John St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. (http://www.urbanimprov.org/). Arrangements handled by: www.everettfuneral.com.