Mary Sullivan

Mary Elizabeth (Quirk) Sullivan, age 72, of Galesburg, MI passed away peacefully on February 6, 2018. Mary was born on December 12, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late George and Lois (Rigstad) Quirk. She grew up in Redford Township, Michigan and graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1963. She also graduated from Western Michigan University in 1967 with a degree in Education and began teaching at Galesburg-Augusta Schools. On August 12, 1967, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, James E. Sullivan, and spent 41 wonderful years together before his passing in 2008. In 1969, she left her teaching career to fulfill her greatest passion, raising her children. She returned to the classroom in 1986 and continued to work at Galesburg-Augusta Schools until her retirement in 2006. After retirement, her great joy was traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She was a beautiful soul whose smile lit up a room and her heart was big enough for us all. She loved deeply and lived life to the fullest. Her light will continue to shine in all of the lives she touched. Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Patrick; and brothers, Michael and Andy Quirk. Surviving are her children, Lisa (Brian) Lapp of Winchester, Virginia; Michael Sullivan of Lisle, Illinois; Timothy (Amy) Sullivan of Clermont, Florida; and her beloved grandchildren, Bailey, Marina, Ava, and Sophie Sullivan and Andrew (AJ) Lapp. She is also survived by her sister, Laurel Sawyer; brothers, Bob (Nancy) and George (Joan) Quirk; her sister-in-law, Ann (Dennis) Reiling; several nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends. At her request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life is currently being planned and will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Galesburg-Augusta Education Foundation or Galesburg Memorial Library. Mary's wish was to be an organ donor. Her one final gift helped change the lives of several families. We will love you forever and will miss you always!