Sandra J. Sullivan

1937 - 2021

Sandra Joan Sullivan (Helpard), 84, resident of Northport, FL, formerly of Reading, MA, passed away on April 18, 2021, after a brief illness. Sandra (Sandy) was born on March 3, 1937, the only daughter of Curtis and Phyllis Helpard and sole grand daughter of Fred and Sadie Helpard. An uncommonly kind, loving daughter and friend, Sandy grew up in Reading, MA. She graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1955 where she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Sullivan. Bill and Sandy were married, August 4, 1956, in a small ceremony surrounded by family and friends and remained together nearly 65 years. Sandy and Bill lived in Reading MA, until 1986, then in semi-retirement moved to Maine and Northport, FL for over 30 years. There they enjoyed friends and family visits by the lake, and at the ocean. Sandy often remarked her children, William Sullivan of Leominster, MA, Thomas Sullivan of Burlington, MA, and Leone Sullivan of Northport, FL, were her greatest pride, joy, and legacy. As her children married; William to Linda, Thomas to Kathy, and Leone to Dick, Sandy expanded her family, loving her daughters and son in-law like they were her own children. Known as Nana to her five grandchildren, Michael Sullivan, Robert DeMoura, Matthew Sullivan, Andrew Sullivan, Micayla Sullivan, and four great-grandchildren, Breannen, Ariana, Raelynn, and Mila; she taught them life-lessons of kindness, caring, faith, and unconditional love. She beamed with delight during time spent with family, playing cards, at the lake, or, simply talking on the phone. Like so many women of her generation, Sandy gracefully juggled family and career until the age of 75. She worked for several retail chains during her career including Sears, Fredericks of Hollywood, and Bealls. She enjoyed people and possessed an uncanny ability to make anyone feel like they were old friends. "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we deeply love becomes a part of us" - Helen Keller. Sandy touched the lives of so many people; although a void exists in the hearts of all who loved and knew her, we are reminded that she is with us always. A celebration of Sandras life will be held at Solimine Funeral Home at 426 Broadway in Lynn, MA on June 11, 2021. Calling hours will be held from 11am-1pm, with services beginning immediately after. The Sullivan family has requested donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to the St. Jude Hospital.