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Sheila Sullivan

Sheila Frances Sullivan, 83, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 31, surrounded by her family after a long illness. She was a beloved mother, wife, sister, nana, and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Sullivan, and her parents, Patrick Cannon and Margaret “Peggy” (Owens) Cannon. Sheila was born on Aug. 3, 1940, in the Bronx, New York, and was the second of four children.

She attended Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, New York. It was there that she met and later married her loving husband, Jack. Together they would raise a family, relocating to numerous states before finally settling in 1973 in Madison, where she resided for the last 50 years. When her children grew older, Sheila would reenter the labor force, beginning as a teacher’s assistant at Kathleen E. Goodwin Elementary School in Old Saybrook. She went on to become the social program director at Fowler Nursing Center in Guilford before accepting her final position as the transportation director, District 9 Transit, at The Estuary Council of Senior Citizens in Old Saybrook. She greatly enjoyed her position at The Estuary and contributed in various capacities up until her retirement.

From there, Sheila would continue to be of service to her family, friends, and community. She enjoyed spending time and caring for her three grandchildren. She actively volunteered at St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church, the Madison Senior Center, and A Better Chance (ABC) ACT II Thrift Shop. She particularly loved her dogs, walking the shoreline beaches, attending church, bird watching, playing on her bocce ball league, reading a great book, taking in the theater, watching Husky hoops, cheering for the Yankees, enjoying a good cup of hot tea, and perhaps nothing more than a bowl of her favorite ice cream! Selfless and content with life’s simple pleasures, Sheila was most happy to be spending time with friends and family. Her vivacious spirit and quick Irish humor were always on display. Generous and fun to be around, Sheila always took great pleasure in making others laugh, and her memory will always be cherished.

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Sullivan of Seattle; daughter Kathleen Frawley (John) of Ossining, New York; daughter Sheila Archambeault (Jesse) of West Hartford; son Sean Sullivan of West Hartford; and son Kevin Sullivan of Madison. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Jack, Kate, and Kenon Archambeault. She leaves behind her sister Patricia Spring of Texas; her brother Sean Cannon of Long Island, New York; her sister Moira Nemmers of Virginia; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friends.

In keeping with Sheila’s wishes, there will be a private memorial service with family. The family would also like to express its sincere gratitude to the Agency of Aging of South Central Connecticut and Connecticut Hospice.