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Claire Sullivan Obituary
Claire was born in Rutland on July 30, 1937. She was the youngest child of Beatrice and Matthew Burke Sr., and youngest sister to Matthew Burke Jr., Charleen Godleski and Ellanora Thompson. She graduated from Rutland High School in 1955 and enjoyed warm connections to her high school friends and classmates all her life.
Family and friends were Claire's greatest delight. She married John Sullivan, also of Rutland, in 1959. Claire was a devoted mother to her four children: Lisa Shappy, Jack Sullivan, Amy Sullivan and Scott Sullivan; and a loving caretaker to many, including her 10 grandchildren: Victor, Curtis and Alison Shappy, Connor and Terra Sullivan, Devin, Tali and Liam Wong, and Whitfield and Phoebe Sullivan. She was the host of many family gatherings over the years and embraced her nieces and nephews with warmth and love.
Claire was a champion of young people in her work as an educator and member of the community. She volunteered in both Christ the King and St. Peter parishes. She worked in the Rutland Public Schools for many years, supporting children to do their best with learning. She had a knack for helping young people to develop school skills and was sought out by young family members looking for an extra boost with their school work.
Another of Claire's great loves was spending time at her cottage on Lake Bomoseen, first as a young girl with her parents and siblings, and then raising her own children and grandchildren there. Throughout her life Claire enjoyed many pastimes. She was a member at Proctor-Pittsford Country Club and Rutland Country Club. She played cards regularly with family and friends, and often went sightseeing and walking with her sisters, Charleen and Ellanora.
Surviving are 2 sons, Scott Sullivan and his wife, Autumn, of Rutland; Jack Sullivan and his wife, Brandy, of Moscow, Idaho; 2 daughters Lisa Shappy and her husband, Victor of Rutland Town and Amy Sullivan and her husband, Terry Wong, of Wayland, Massachussetts; two sisters Charleen Godleski of Rutland and Ellanora Thompson of North Clarendon. Claire was predeceased by her former husband, John R. Sullivan in 1995, and her brother Matthew Burke Jr. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2016, at 11 a.m. in St. Peter Church. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, January 1, 2016, at Clifford Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kids on Move, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland, VT 05701 or Rutland Dismas House, 103 Park Ave., Rutland, VT 05701.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claire Sullivan
J Garafano
January 13, 2016
To the Sullivan Family;
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. I always loved your Mom, I loved living next door to your family on Oak St. You were great Neighbors.
I think of your family everytime we get a snowstorm.. Shoveling use to be such fun. When your Mom or I would start to shovel, the other would come out and we would shovel the driveways along with the walkways at the same time laughing all the while. Followed by coffee or hot chocolate, as well a cheerful visit. Those were good days! I just wanted you to know I'm sorry for your loss.
Love
Judy Garafano
January 10, 2016
Lisa and the family, Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom,she will be missed. we will cherish our memories and chats with her through the years..God Bless..Patty and the crew from A-1 Facility Services
Moira Fagan Flanagan
January 4, 2016
My sympathy to you all, she was always so friendly and somehow I always felt better after seeing her and chatting briefly. She always asked about my brother Richard's family, too. She was thoughtful always.
January 4, 2016
Lisa and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Tommy Neary
Donna Hendee
January 3, 2016
To the families: Claire was a lovely lady, friend, client. We always had a good laugh & great conversation She left way too soon, there was much more H___ to be raised!! Thank You for inviting me to visit my buddy one last time.
Barbara Rice
January 3, 2016
To Lisa and family: I am so sorry to hear of Claire's passing. I always enjoyed chatting wtih her at the meetings at the lake, and though we shared a birthday, I didn't know her well. May she rest in God's peace, and may you be comforted by the beautiful memories of her vibrant life.
January 3, 2016
Scott & Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I used to have some wonderful conversations with your Mom whenever we met at the grocery store. Don and Marcia Chioffi
Tommy LaFond
January 2, 2016
As a young child Claire and her sisters took care of me many times, in their company and home I knew Love and happiness,their big brother Matt was my hero. Not a lot changed over the years,,The hugs I always got were the best and strongest,, For sure I was then a lucky young boy,, that has continued to this day,, for it has been my blessing to know Claire and the Family,, Thanks to all for sharing her with me,, I shall keep her smile in my heart,
Diana Alexiou
January 1, 2016
Dear Scott, Autumn and family,
I am thinking of you during this difficult time. I pray that your sweet mother is in peace now and in care of the angels above. May the beautiful memories of your mother bring you peace and comfort as you honor her life. I am sending you love always, Diana Alexiou
amber leach
January 1, 2016
Dear Sullivan Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved mother. May the wonderful memories of her keep you strong. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. The Leach Family
Phyllis Molloy
December 31, 2015
To Claire's Family and Sisters,
I have so many fond memories of all of you and the nights we chatted on your porch at the lake on the Point of Pines. Your parents were so patient and kind to all of us. Claire was such a happy person and I used to love to watch her swim. She often coached me and I still love to swim. Although, I haven't seen her in many years, she will always remain in my memory as a fun, kind, and loving person. May God continue to bless all of you and keep you in His loving care. With warmest sympathy, Phyllis (Moscatello) and Ed Molloy
Cecile Betit
December 31, 2015
Dear Family of Claire, what a huge loss for you all. She was so generous to many with her love, time and skills. May her love sustain you!
Sr Martha St Onge
December 31, 2015
Claire was such a warm, kind, positive, loving person. I don't think I ever saw her without a lovely smile on her face. My sympathy to Claire's family.
Mary and Gary Lawrence
December 31, 2015
Sullivan family,
We were so saddened to hear about Claire's death. My brother, Jim, called me this morning after he read it in the Rutland Herald. He and Claire were classmates. You are such a wonderful family and your mom was so proud of all of you. Her spirit will remain with you along with the wonderful memories you hold in you hearts. God's blessings now and always.
Bernie Baker
December 31, 2015
I will so miss our talks between our porches at the Lake
December 31, 2015
Dear Lisa
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Your mom was a lot of fun on the course and we had many good games. You were a wonderful daughter to her.May she rest in peace.
Angie LaVictoire
Pompano beach Fl
December 31, 2015
Prayers are with you all.
Diana and Bill
Patti Kent
December 31, 2015
Lisa and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I will always remember our times at Pine of Pines.Swimming sun bathing and our long talks. Hanging out on your front porch.
My thoughts and prayers to your entire family, she will truly be missed.
Peter MacDonald
December 31, 2015
Jack, Lisa, Amy, Scott and families,
I was sorry to hear of Claire's passing. She was a great lady, and will be forever missed. My thoughts are with you all.
Peg and Peter Manley
December 30, 2015
Prayers and thoughts with you all, Claire was such a wonderful women and will be missed at the Point.
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