Agnes Sullivan

Our beloved mom, “grammy”, wife, daughter, niece, cousin, friend, coach and teacher, Agnes Sullivan passed away with her family by her side after a lengthy battle with cancer on May 26, 2023, at the age of 74.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Karyn (Rob) and Allyson; her precious granddaughter Madelyn; her aunts and cousins as well as numerous friends and students. She was predeceased by the love of her life Michael, her husband of 44 years; and her parents Robert and Catherine Murray.

Agnes was born in Airdrie, Scotland and moved to Canada with her parents at the age of 5, settling in Toronto. She attended St. Monica’s Elementary, Loretto Abbey and then York University, where she found her true calling, teaching. She spent over 30 years in the TDCSB with the majority of her years at St. Henry’s Catholic School, passionately educating hundreds of elementary school students, building their library skills, developing new curricula and coaching a variety of school teams. She kept in touch with many of her students long after they had left the school, who were always happy to share their life updates with someone who had made such an impact on them. She also made lifelong friends with her fellow teachers and mentored many new teachers who were forever grateful for her care and guidance.

Agnes and Mike were extremely dedicated to their family. The love that Agnes had for her two girls was fierce – supporting them and protecting them through the best and worst that life could offer. She loved all her immediate and extended families with the natural warmth and caring she inherently had. She married into a large Sullivan family, but there wasn’t a moment where she wasn’t considered part of the clan. With the birth of her granddaughter Maddy in 2016 she was an instant playmate and general instigator of fun – they remained best friends until the very end.

Anyone who met Agnes instantly loved her – and that means everyone (even and especially strangers!). People gravitated towards her kind eyes and big heart. She made people feel loved and accepted no matter what. With that heart she leaves behind a trail of admirers gathered from all walks of life.

Ally and Karyn will always be thankful for the level of loving and compassionate care that Agnes and Mike received at Markham Stouffville Hospital when they were both diagnosed with cancer. The doctors and nurses became her friends. Agnes fought a long, hard battle and impressed everyone with her perseverance. We miss you so much already Mom but we are happy you are at peace and reunited with Dad.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 7 at 10:00am at Blessed Trinity Church at 3220 Bayview Avenue, North York, Ontario. A Celebration of Life will occur following mass from 11:30am – 2:30pm at the Village Loft at 2901 Bayview Ave, North York, Ontario (located in the Bayview Village parking lot). In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donating to your favourite charity, especially those dedicated to education and/or children’s sport, such as JumpStart.

The family encourages you to post your memories and photos of Agnes for the Celebration of Life to dropevent.com/AgnesSullivan or email photos to [email protected].

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living, My Mommy you’ll be.”