Barbara A. Sullivan

Obituary for Barbara A. Sullivan

SULLIVAN - Barbara A., age 94 of Dorchester formerly of Charlestown and Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Born on October 10, in Dorchester, MA, Barbara was the cherished daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Gillen and the oldest of 5 children. The family moved to Charlestown when Barbara was 12, returning to Dorchester when she married the love of her life, John B. Sullivan, who predeceased her in 2000. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion to family and one another.

A proud graduate of Girls High School in Boston, Barbara's artistic talent emerged at an early age. At just 11 years old, she attended the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston, where her drawing inspired by Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince so impressed her instructor that it was displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts. In her later years, her painting of the Erie Pub was purchased by the CFO of the MFA, it is on display at the museum in his office, a testament to her lifelong creative gifts.

Barbara began her career working in the Boston film district for MGM, where she met many movie stars, including one of her favorites, Debbie Reynolds. She later left MGM to devote herself to raising her children.

Years later, when her husband became ill, Barbara's determination and strength shone brightly. She taught herself to type 100 words per minute, practicing long hours at the kitchen table, and went on to secure a position with New England Telephone, providing for her family with perseverance and grace.

Barbara cherished her summers at Crystal Lake in Carver, Massachusetts. In retirement she enjoyed many winters in Boynton Beach, Florida surrounded by family members and lifelong friends. She also loved to travel, particularly to Ireland, which she visited five times and held close to her heart.

An accomplished and award-winning local artist, Barbara's artistic spirit, quiet strength, and warmth touched all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through her artwork and through the many generations of family she lovingly nurtured.

Beloved wife of the late John B. Sullivan. Devoted mother of Linda Sullivan and her husband Paul Dougherty of Dorchester, Elizabeth O'Connor of Easton, Eileen Homan and her husband Philip of St. Petersburg, Florida and Barbara Jean Wainwright and her husband Robert of Mansfield. Loving sister of John Gillen and his wife Shirley of Plymouth, the late George Gillen, Joan McGonagle O'Connell, and Elizabeth Macdonald and her husband James. Also survived by 8 cherished grandchildren, 9 adoring great-grandchildren, many caring nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, January 13th at Saint Gregory Parish, 2223 Dorchester Ave., DORCHESTER at 10:00 am. Interment in Knollwood Memorial Park, CANTON. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 12th at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER-LOWER MILLS from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Irish Pastoral Centre, 540 Gallivan Blvd., Unit Rear, Dorchester, MA 02124 ~ www.ipcboston.org/donate

Services

12 Jan

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services- DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS 1140 Washington Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions »
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13 Jan

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saint Gregory Church 2223 Dorchester Avenue Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions »
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13 Jan

Interment

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Knollwood Memorial Park Cemetery 321 High Street Canton, MA 02021 Get Directions »
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by Obituary Assistant