Loretta Francis Sullivan

1941 - 2021

Groton - Loretta Francis Sullivan, 80, died peacefully Dec. 12, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She served in the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood from 1959 to 1989 as Sister Loretta Delores Sullivan.

Loretta lived most of her adult years on Long Island, N.Y. She settled in West Islip, LI in 1990. She moved to Groton to be closer to her family in 2019.

On Nov. 17, 1941, Loretta Francis was born to Martin Dominic and Gertrude Jean (Wilson) Sullivan at St. John Hospital, Long Island City, N.Y. Loretta was blessed with a large, loving family. On Dec. 12, Loretta experienced her own resurrection and entered the joy of God. And she stands with all of those who have gone before us cheering us on, as we journey into the heart of God.

Loretta was predeceased by her longtime companion Lyn Marczyk (March 2021); her brother John Sullivan (December 2020); and sister-in-law, Ann Sullivan (July 2020).

Education was dear to Loretta's heart. Loretta attended Mary Louis Academy and Brentwood College. In 1977 she earned her master's degree in special education with a concentration in learning disabilities and her Certification in Administration and Supervision from the College of New Rochelle. Loretta, who loved children, taught and served as principal in many Catholic schools from Brooklyn to Cutchogue. She concluded her teaching ministry at the Cleary School for the Deaf as a Learning Disabilities teacher and consultant from 1988 to 2019.

She cared lovingly and tenderly for her family and friends and shared generously of her time, talent, and spirit. A friend remarked "You are one of the very few people I know that can be in a room full of people and make each one feel special." She had a gift for speaking with the young and giving them encouragement and direction. She delighted in children and they responded with joy.

Loretta is survived by her brothers, Thomas (Lydia) Sullivan of North Carolina, Martin Jr. (Paula) Sullivan of Groton, Robert (Sheila) Sullivan of Mystic; her sister, Kathleen (Glenn) Sullivan-Cote of Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial service for family and friends will take place at 11 a.m. May 14, 2022, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry. This service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend. Details will be available just prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Loretta to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center or to the Closer to Free campaign to support Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.