Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1961
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
2501 Bees Ferry Rd
Charleston, South Carolina
Karen Cullinan Obituary
Karen Susan "Susie" Cullinan, of Charleston, SC, passed away at age 56 on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Susie was born on November 26, 1961 in Columbus, OH, daughter of Elberta Schirtzinger Cullinan and the late John Joseph Cullinan. When they brought Susie home from the hospital, her parents introduced her to her brothers as being special – and she certainly was. Susie was an accomplished and well-rounded individual, taking joy in swimming, visual arts, latch-hooking, writing, word search puzzles and cuisine. She received awards for her dedicated work at Easter Seals and several gold medals in the Special Olympics. She traveled the world with her parents and had a deep understanding of life and the beauty that lies within every human being. Susie touched the hearts of everyone she met; she comforted, counseled and brought much joy to her family. She was and is their angel. Susie will be deeply missed by her mother, Elberta Cullinan; and brothers, Michael Cullinan (Katherine) of Columbus, OH, John Cullinan (Kathleen) of Charleston, SC, David Cullinan of Columbus, OH, James Cullinan (Olena) of Columbus, OH, Robert Cullinan (Jill) of Columbus, OH; and all of her loving family and friends. A Mass in celebration of Susie's life will be held at a later date in Columbus, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics South Carolina, 109 Oak Park Drive, Irmo, SC 29063 or Easter Seals, 3020 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted or viewed at www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, West Ashley Chapel, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, South Carolina, 29414, 843-722-8371.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Cullinan
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
3 Entries
Rosemary Wardlow
April 15, 2018
Dear Bert,
I read of Susie's passing and remembered what a lovely person she was. You may not remember me but we used to play golf together. I have very fond memories of you, John and Susie.
You spoke often of your sons and may they be a comfort to you in the days ahead.
Rosemary Wardlow
April 13, 2018
Dear Mrs. Cullinan, My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family on the passing of your beautiful daughter. I first met her when I was her nurse at Dr. Richard L. Everhart's office in 1970-1982. What I remember most about your family was that Susie was involved in everything and you were right beside her. You certainly were a role model of how a mother provides the very best for her child and involves them in countless activities. My husband and I adopted our daughter in 1983 and followed in your foot steps. Christin is now 35 and is has surely been blessed along with us because we never gave up. Mrs. Cullinan, you are a treasure and you shall be rewarded in heaven.
Peggy Howell Sauline, Retired Nurse
Ben & Arleen Everhart
April 12, 2018
We are saddened by the news of Susie's passing. Our prayers for you and your family.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Karen Cullinan's name
Memorial Events
for Karen Cullinan
Funeral services provided by:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley Location2501 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Karen Cullinan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
