Obituary of Mary M. Sullivan

Elmira: Age 88, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Elmira on July 27, 1926, a daughter of Catherine (Begley) and John Marinan. She is predeceased by her husband of 66 years Thomas J. Sullivan, infant son Joseph, son John, brother and sister-in-law, John and Lynn Marinan, son-in-law Judge Peter C. Buckley, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Josephine Sullivan, William Sullivan, Kathleen and Paul Dunn, James and Jean Sullivan, Robert Sullivan, Mary Lou Sullivan, Margaret Steed, Gerald and Mary Sullivan, and Thomas Whitaker. Mary is survived by her children, with their families, daughter-in-law Susan, with children, Sandi (William) and their children Billy and Samantha, Meghan, and Joseph (Tania) and their children, Sophia and Julia; Daniel (Bobbie) and daughter MacKenzie; Kathleen Buckley with children, Peter (Erin) and their children, Jack, Molly, Finn and Nora; Elizabeth, Patrick and Kathleen; Thomas (Mary Ann) with their daughters, Katie and Courtney; sisters-in-law, Ann Starr, Joan Whitaker, Dale Sullivan Beymer and Edna Sullivan; brother-in-law Francis Steed; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was a 1944 graduate of Elmira Free Academy and a 1948 graduate of Chestnut Hill College, Pennsylvania. Mary began her lifelong love of teaching as an elementary teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes School. She continued as a second grade teacher at Holy Family Primary School retiring in 1997 after 35 years of teaching. For nearly 1,000 children, "Mrs. Sullivan" instilled in them the love of learning for the "3 R's" as well as instructing them in the foundation of the Catholic faith. Mary genuinely loved and nurtured all children, her own and all she encountered. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an easy smile. "Nanny" was loved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was supportive and active in their lives. Nanny's greatest pleasures included watching her grandchildren play sports, taking them on her many trips to visit family, and enjoying the little moments with them every day. She had a special fondness for dogs, the bigger the better. Her dogs gave her unconditional love and she gave it right back to them. Her life was devoted to caring for her family as a loving wife, mother and grandmother and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Mary's family extends their appreciation to Roxanne Johnston, Porky Tarby and Jennie Zito for their support and friendship. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Thursday, June 4, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Mary with a donation to Holy Family Catholic School, 421 Fulton Street, Elmira NY 14904.