Obituary of Barbara A. Sullivan

Barbara A. (Nass) Sullivan, 91, passed away at her home on March 11 surrounded by the love of her family. A celebration of her life was held at St Theresa’s Church in South Hadley. She was laid to rest next to her husband at Notre Dame Cemetery.

Barbara was born in Newport, RI to the late Rudolph and Anna Nass. In 1949, she graduated from Rogers High School and was employed as a bookkeeper by Newport’s Public Loan Corporation. On Columbus Day of that year, she met her future husband Robert Sullivan at the King Park fireworks in Newport. They were married the following year in Greenville, SC where Lt. Sullivan was stationed with the Air Force. She was a loving military wife who travelled the world with her husband and six children. During her husband’s 22 years of service, Barbara was active in the military communities where they were stationed which included Texas, Japan, Nevada, Florida, and Germany. Upon retirement from the Air Force, the family settled in South Hadley where Barbara has been a resident for the past 52 years.

Barbara is predeceased by her husband Robert, and her siblings Robert Nass, Mildred Nass, and Frances Simmons. She is survived by her children Kathleen (Alan) LaBernz, Karen (Pete) Devins, Karol Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, Lawrence (Ruth) Sullivan, and Brian (Betsy) Sullivan, 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Marian Kuykendall and six nieces and nephews.

Barbara’s greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of whom she loved unconditionally. Her light and love live on in them. Barbara touched the lives of so many with her generosity and kindness. She will be forever missed.

It was Barbara’s wish for donations to be made to her favorite charity St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.