Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Celeste Sullivan Obituary
She leaves two sons, Bernard Henson and Obasi Osborne; and two daughters, Maye Osborne and Mary Sullivan Niebles; her sister, Claudia Salloom and her niece Anne Salloom.
She was born April 1, 1955 in Boston, the daughter of Dr. William L. and Carol (Saurwein) Sullivan. Celeste was a 1970 graduate of Windsor Mountain High School, earned her BA from Worcester State, her Master's Degree in Egyptology, and in 2005 her Ph.D. in Linguistic Anthropology, with a specialty in Urdu studies, from Brown University.
Celeste will be remembered as a unique and gifted person. She had the ability to repair a diesel engine, navigate a yacht or translate the hieroglyphics on Ramses tomb. At the time or her death, she was in the process of turning her doctoral thesis into a book. She was a loving mother, caring friend and a truly amazing woman whose zest for life had no boundaries. The happiest time of her life was assisting her daughter Maye in the planning of her wedding.
A Memorial Service will be held, Wednesday, July 29th at 4:00 PM in the Manning Chapel at Brown University. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester, is directing arrangements.
oconnorbrothers.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Celeste Sullivan
Sponsored by Elder Brother.
HB
July 21, 2022
Little time passes when I don't think of Celeste, her voice, her mannerisms, her wit and especially her intellect. I will always regret letting our friendship slip away.
norman alberts
November 12, 2016
I met her at St. John's College in Maryland where we both started studying hieroglyphics. I remember her as a quiet, focused woman with a wonderful, questioning mind. Sorry to hear of her passing!
Muhammad Zaman
July 29, 2010
I started Celeste's book today and came to know this tragic incident. I have deep grievances over her death. I wish, I could have spoken with her, but now I have only her work to speak. I have great sorrow on Celeste's death. Muhammad Zaman (Pakistan).
graduation day may 2005
May 14, 2010
Wendy Botuck
January 8, 2010
I just recently heard of Celeste Sullivan's tragic death - my heart is broken!!! .... Celeste and I were absolutely best friends at Tatnuck School in Worcester. I remember so many wonderful times together, including delicious spaghetti dinners at 52 Copperfield Road! I listened to my first Beatles record with her! It is so clear that she lived her life exactly in the way she would have wanted, from the point of ultimate dedication and faith.... Claudia, if you read this notice, I send you a much belated hug, and please pass on my condolences to her husband and children...!
1971
November 7, 2009
1970
November 7, 2009
November 6, 2009
Professor Sullivan was one of my favorite and most memorable teachers I have. She was always willing to help me in guiding me through college and she had so much energy and life. Truly and amazing woman ^_^ -Carina
Judith Cohen
October 12, 2009
I only just heard about this as I was looking for Celeste's address to add to an invitation. Celeste and I were together in Spain, in the winter of 1972. We kept in touch for a long time, then lost track of each other until I managed to find her last year - we were hoping to have a reunion soon. Even as a teenager, Celeste was wise, funny, utterly sincere... in that village in Spain she was an unlikely leprechaun. Bernard, Obasi, Maye, Mary - and Claudia (we met in Worcester one year) - contact me whenever you like.
David Beller
August 27, 2009
It is with great sadness that I add Celeste to the Memorial pages of the Windsor Mountain School Alumni Directory. These pages dedicated to the memory of our friends. There will always be a place in our hearts for you. I extend my sympathy to all who knew and love her.
David Porta
August 27, 2009
This is sad news. Please accept my sympathy. She attended Windsor Mountain School, Lenox, Mass. 1968-1971, her Freshman year through early graduation. Many fond memories.
Denise McElhinney
August 5, 2009
I met Celeste when she was a student at Worcester State College and I cared for Bernard during that time, when he was 2-3 years old, so he probably won't remember me or my 3 children. He was a beautiful little boy. I remember Celeste as a quiet, gentle person. I wish I had got to know her better. She was certainly a unique and accomplished individual. I was very saddened to hear the tragic news, and my thoughts and prayers are with Bernard & his siblings.
August 4, 2009
We were cousins but never met and only began corresponding regarding our family tree. I am so sorry to learn of her death. My deepest sympathy to her children and sister and niece.
Ann Saurwein Meyers
Jo DuBiel
August 4, 2009
Obasi, I never met your mother, but remember you telling me so lovingly about your mother and how her love of books rubbed off on you as you helped me to get my friends computer up and running one night. May your memories and the values she instilled in you and your siblings live on.
August 4, 2009
Celeste was one of the most sincere people I have ever met and was able to share this sincerity and joy with all she met. She will be truly missed, but never forgotten. Kathy Grimaldi
Obasi
August 1, 2009
She was my mom. She was brilliant, kind and generous. I can't believe she's gone. She gave everything she had to make sure life was better for those around her. There will never be another like her. I love her.
Richard McCorkle
July 31, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Maye Osborne upon the untimely loss of her mother. Although I did not know Dr. Sullivan, it is with warm recognition that I read of her outstanding life based on my knowlege of her daughter. Maye, I know that your sorrow will be healed with you living memories and love for her.
July 30, 2009
Celeste Sullivan was the most amazing woman I ever met. There can be only one.
BetTy
July 30, 2009
so sorry for your loss a wonder women at the prime of her life too young
Alexandria Alchimio
July 29, 2009
I had Dr. Sullivan as a teacher at Southern Connecticut. She helped me through a very hard time in my life when school work had to be put on the backburner due to personal reasons.. Dr. Sullivan offered advice and helped me, not only as a professor, but as a friend. She will always hold a place in my heart. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Joan Lusk
July 29, 2009
Through all the years I've know Celeste she had the most amazing ability to overcome obstacles of every sort - and the courage to put herself into difficult situations that needed overcoming. She had so much to offer. May her children carry on with her energy and resourcefulness, and with her love.
July 29, 2009
I'll miss you.
Jocelyn Perchell
July 29, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Sullivan's loved ones. I had Dr. Sullivan as a Linguistics teacher at SCSU. She was always sure to say hello to me in the hallway whenever she saw me and to greet me with a smile. I wish I had gotten to know her much better.
Andrew Fedor
July 28, 2009
Deepest sympathy to Dr. Sullivans family and friends . I was lucky enough to have had her as a Professor which was a truly memorable experience , Each day she amazed me with her knowledge and affable attitude towards me and other students .
Ramona Wallace-Harris
July 28, 2009
I was privileged to have met Maye's mom ( that's what we at Radio Shack called her). She was a bright light in a dark room. She was always happy and full of life. She would always stop by the Radio Shack on North Main and say hi, even after Maye had moved on. It hurts my heart to know she is no longer with us but joy follows because I know she is with our Lord Jesus Christ and resting in His arms til we meet again. My prayers are with her children, family, friends, and colleagues.
S. Monroe
July 28, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Sullivan's family. I briefly shared a workspace with Celeste at SCSU and enjoyed talking with her about teaching on several occasions. I will remember her as someone dedicated to her discipline and craft. What a wonderful impression she must have made on a generation of students.
Dylan Kearney
July 28, 2009
My condolences go out to the family of Dr. Celeste Sullivan. She was my teacher for one semester at SCSU: she was a great teacher and a wonderful person. I wish I had known her longer.
Amanda Leiss
July 28, 2009
I had Dr. Sullivan as a professor of Linguistic Anthropology at SCSU. It was a difficult period in time for me. She really helped me get through finals with her compassion and her patience. She was wonderful to talk to and she seemed like she must give the best hugs. My heart and love goes out to those she left behind.
Tina Scali
July 28, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. Dr. Sullivan was a great teacher and an inspiration for whoever knew her.
Brenda Osborne
July 28, 2009
My sincere sympathy to the children, family and loved ones. May you find confort in the fact that you spent quality time together.
Geoffrey Garrett
July 28, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Celeste's family and friends. I was privileged to have her as top student in two of my physics classes at Worcester State College in 1980. She left warm memories wherever she went. She was a rare and special person and it hurts to know she is gone. I salute her many accomplishments and her forthright approach to life.
Joseph Mongillo
July 28, 2009
I had Dr.Sullivan for a class this past semester at UMASS, She was a very kind and friendly person who cared very much about her students. My condolences to her family.
Kim Walker
July 27, 2009
Our love to you and your family Ras. By knowing you, I feel I've know Celeste. And you're making her proud!
Peg Guelakis
July 27, 2009
I knew Dr. Sullivan as a colleague for a short time at SCSU. She was a lovely, sweet person. My condolences to her famliy.
Marie Selvaggio
July 27, 2009
For too short of a time, Celeste was a colleague at SCSU. She was gracious and kind and had a warm smile for everyone. Academically, she knew her stuff. Her knowledge ranged from cultural anthropology, linguistics and ancient languages and cultures. She enhanced our Anthropology Program with her academic and personal knowledge. She was also a skillful teacher who was well liked by her students and well respected by her colleagues. We will truly miss her. My deepest sympathy to her family and to all who were fortunate enough to know Celeste.
Jim and Erin Shanahan
July 27, 2009
Our deepest condolences to Bernard and his family. We never met your mom but she must have been an amazing woman to have raised such a special person. Our thoughts are with you.
Nicole Henderson
July 27, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Celeste...she was a teacher who cared deeply about her students and their visions...
Anna Pascale
July 27, 2009
I want to send my deepest sympathy to Celeste's family and all of her friends. I watched her work with SCSU students and give them inspiration. She was a gentle soul and always had something nice thing to say. She will be missed greatly and I am glad that I did get to know her.
Colleen Sullivan Avedikian
July 27, 2009
My deepest condolences to Celeste's family. I had the pleasure, albeit brief, of knowing her at UMass Dartmouth. Her students really loved and appreciated her, and she will be missed.
Ida Almeida
July 27, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family of Celeste. I had only known her for one semester at UMass but the impact she had on me will never be forgotten. I truly loved this woman....very vibrant, loved by her students and she truly loved teaching. I will miss her smile as she walked into my office most mornings....and our discussions of the day....I will never forget her. You were all truly Blessed as was I.
chooky
July 27, 2009
I will always remember Celeste as a strong, compassionate person who lived and sacrificed for her children. She will be greatly missed. She is resting now. My prayers are with her children.
July 27, 2009
I am so sad to hear of the awful accident which happend to Celeste and I want to send my deepest sympathy to her family. You are all in my prayers, (Patricia Symonds and family)
H.B. Root
July 27, 2009
My sincere sympathy to Celeste's family and friends.
Knowing her many years ago I will always remember her as a truly unique and wonderful person.
Lisa Niebels
July 27, 2009
What a beautiful tribute to Celeste this is. One of the last things she sent me was an inspirational poster she created,quoting Theodore Roosevelt "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing" Celeste lived this and I was proud to call her friend.
Jeri Kim
July 27, 2009
We send our deepest sympathies to the family: we are so truly sorry for your loss. Celeste was a very kind, warm, thoughtful person who truly touched everyone she met. We will miss her. We send our love to you.
Jeri Kim and the Yang's Family
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
Make a Donation
in Celeste Sullivan's name
Memorial Events
for Celeste Sullivan
How to support Celeste'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 Celeste Sullivan'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
