Jayne Elizabeth Sully

Jayne was heroic in her determination to stare down cancer and for over five years she never blinked. She endured two surgeries (one over 12 hours long), numerous rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and interventional radiation with optimism and an unyielding positive attitude. Through it all, she believed in herself, her loving family and her doctors, choosing to be happy and never letting the hard days win. Jayne embraced every day and looked forward to every tomorrow.

With a contagious smile and infectious laugh, Jayne made friends very easily. She was totally comfortable in her own skin and was a constant inspiration for many people always giving comfort, support and encouragement to those diagnosed with an uncertain future. In a time when common courtesy can be in short supply, Jayne’s genuine concern for others shined like a radiant beacon.

Jayne was born in Hartford, CT on October 27, 1966. Her family moved to Eastham in 1976 where she attended regional schools, graduating from Nauset Regional High School in 1984 where she played soccer. After high school, Jayne worked at Bradlees in both Orleans and Hyannis in the administrative office. Later, while working for O.J. Murphy at Bel Vaseo Italian import pottery in Orleans, she also accepted a part-time job as a Hostess at the Yardarm Restaurant in Orleans. Apparently, she made a favorable impression because in April 1996 she married her best friend, soul mate and boss, John Sully. They spent their honeymoon on Nantucket where Jayne immediately fell in love again-this time with the island. Jayne co-owned the Yardarm restaurant with her husband John until it was sold in 2015.

Jayne lived each day with enthusiasm and faith, always taking the high road. She remained adamant to not let her illness be a burden to family or friends. Her pleasures were simple: HGTV, Facebook, a day at Nauset Beach, small cheese pizza, Kelly and Ryan in the morning, ice cream, her loving cats, walking the streets of Nantucket, leggings and of course her Kettle One. Jayne would always turn up the car radio to hear and sing to “I can see clearly now” and Elton John’s “Daniel”. Her very favorite song was dear friend musician Jay Murphy’s version of “A Pirate Looks at Forty”.

Together, John and Jayne had Patriots Season tickets for over 26 years. And since 1995, they had attended most games and loved being part of many memorable tail gate parties. She was also very proud that the Red Sox broke their long-standing curse in 2004 on her birthday.

Jayne’s dreams were important: beating cancer and finding a cure, helping family and friends, and personally finding a home on her beloved Nantucket. In 2017, the Nantucket dream came true. It was on Nantucket that she spent her most peaceful and cherished days.

Her husband John is extremely grateful to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Tufts Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cape Cod Hospital, Sinai Rehab and Fontaine Medical. In addition, John’s gratitude extends to the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice for their support and wonderful care over the last five years, and especially to her surgeon and good friend, Dr. Richard Wein at Tufts Medical Center.

It cannot go without mentioning that since Jayne’s passing, there is a furry feline whose eyes aren’t as bright, whose curiosity is diminished and whose purring has been silenced. Jayne’s loyal and loving companion and her constant bedmate, Nellie, brought her immeasurable joy and comfort.

Be well “girlie”, now you can relax. Enjoy lunches of ice cream with your precious, loving Mom. Your family and friends will love you forever. You have touched our hearts. Heaven is where dreams come true. No more pain, no more fear, no more cancer. #sullystrong

Jayne is survived by her loving husband John Stevens Sully; her sister Jennifer (Jeffrey) Hogan, their children Brigit (Garvin) and Conor (Larissa) and their children Fiona and Cormick; her sister Janet (Gary) Culver and their son Matthew: her brother Jeffrey (Janie) Hawkes and their daughter Sarah (Paul) and their daughter Annabelle; her sister-in-law Jacque (Jim) Jennett and their daughter Brooke (Robert) and their children Alden and Lindy, and their daughter Heather and her children Rowan and Hayden. Her mother Marion Alexander, and her father Joseph Hawkes as well as her mother-in-law Patricia Sully and father-in-law John G. Sully predeceased Jayne.

Due to the social distancing restrictions in place, a Celebration of Jayne’s Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Jayne’s memory to the Pan Mass Challenge at https://donate.pmc.org/. For online condolences visit www.doanebealamesharwich.com