Gwendolyn Jo Sullivan

1930 - 2023

Gwendolyn Jo Sullivan née Herndon was born on Aug. 25, 1930 in Mesquite, TX. She was raised by her grandparents and lived with extended family there until her mother remarried, and they moved to Dallas. Jo excelled in school, and she was very active in clubs. She was valedictorian of her graduating class. She longed to go to college, but instead married and had two children. That marriage ended and Jo moved west to an area near the 29 Palms Marine Corps base. There she met a dashing young Marine named Pat Sullivan. They quickly married and set up a home. Eventually, she and Pat moved to San Diego, where Pat had secured a position on the North Island Navy base. Pat and Jo had three more children together. Jo was a volunteer, a painter, actor, writer and poet. She loved music and sang, played guitar, accordion and piano. Her favorite thing to do was work in her yard, which was full of green and flowering plants and trees. Jo could make a friend wherever she went. She was always curious and interested in people. After the children were grown, Jo and Pat traveled the world. Some notable trips were the summers in Europe and Mexico, the Panama Canal and Alaska cruise. While Pat was a professor at US International University, Jo fulfilled her lifelong dream of obtaining a college degree. She graduated at the top of her class, Summa Cum Laude. Her spiritual life was her foundation. She and Pat were members of St. Pius parish for over 60 years, when they shared their faith through service work. She met with her Shepherd and Cursillo groups for decades and cultivated lifelong friendships. She is survived by her children, Richard Sullivan, Sharon Little, Patrick Sullivan, Cecelia Sullivan, and Catherine Markee.
Services at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Chula Vista. Vigil Aug. 25 6pm. Funeral mass Aug. 26 10am.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to International Relief Teams.