Joyce A. Sullivan

She was the Daughter of the late Henry I. Rogers and Arlene J. (Fries) Rogers. Born in Norwich on Jan 20 1940, she resided in Norwichtowne her entire life.

In her youth she was involved in the Franklin 4-H program, the Girl Scouts, Community mistral shows and Church fairs. She spent many summers at the family cottage at Jupiter Point in Groton, she loved the ocean, lighthouses and boating in the sound.

She graduated from the Norwich Free in 1957. She loved the sock hop scene and dances, where she met her ‘Loverboy’ Billy Sullivan. He was a singer/musician in a local Rock-n-Roll Band “The LaSalle’s”. It didn’t take long before they were married, on April 12,1958.

She began her married life working at the Dime Bank but soon turned her attention to a stay at home mom caring for her two sons. Later, when the boys were grown, she began a career as Secretary to the Director of the United Community Family Services of Norwich, and then a receptionist for Dr. Okasha.

When she wasn’t chasing ”Wild Billy” on the bands many venues and gigs, she and Bill found a love for camping, spent many weekend with their boys camping and exploring the New England states. From Maine to Cape Cod she loved camping with her husband, brother and sister-in-law. Her social life with girlfriends around the campfire or playing scrabble with good friend Gerry Austin, sipping margaritas on the beaches of Cape Cod with her bestie childhood cousin Pat (DesRosier) Stannard, chatting, laughing and joking with her high school chum Fran (Sanborn) Stott.

In the Community she was a member of the First Congregational Church of Norwichtowne. The “Church on the Green” was her Family, where she was baptized, grew up attending Sunday school and got married. Joyce and Bill were member of the YOMACO Club (YOung MArried COuples), she became a Sunday school teacher and later the superintendent of Sunday school. She coordinated Christmas Pageants, Youth Group retreats and volunteered for the churches annual “Meetinghouse Rocks Fair”. She was a member of the Church Choir. She was a Den Mother and a Committee member for the Boy Scouts of Troop 4. She received the God and Church award from the Boy Scouts of America.

She was a member of the Norwich Historical Society, she volunteered at the Leffingwell Inn as a douse for many years, and she participated in many reenactments and encampments. She loved talking about and showing off the history of her beloved Norwichtowne.

She was a coordinator for “Connections Homestay” a foreign student program. For the better part of 20 years she worked coordinating with local family to host foreign students to experience an American family lifestyle. She and her family welcomed students from around the globe into their home. The bond that the family has made with these many students continues still today.

She loved her picnics and parties and holiday decorations. The family reunions, and gatherings with all her friends. The enormous Christmas tree with a thousand decorations stood tall in her living room from November to February, the Sea of Green that splashed around the house at St Patrick’s day, the cornucopia of food presented at thanksgiving, the lobstah bakes on fourth of July. Her house was always open to any that would visit. To any who would accept an invitation to enjoy a conversation and beverage around the fireplace. It gave her the simplest of enjoyment to hear laugher, music and see fun in the shining eyes of her family & friend, even sometimes at her own expense. The “House by the side of the Road” wasn’t just a sign that hung on 87 New London Tpke, it was a sincere place you could enjoy life, every kid in the neighborhood called her Mom!

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bill Sullivan, Her Son- Bruce (Kim) Sullivan,

Granddaughter Shealyn (Brendan) Redfield, Step-grandson Matthew Comparone, Step-granddaughter Hillary Comparone (Sean Wells). great-grandchildren Jameson and Bailey Redfield, Cameron and Lincoln Comparone.

Foster Family David (Danelle) Provost, (Eviana), Tyler (Laura) Provost. (Adain & Paisley).

Adopted Russian Daughter Oksana (Alex) Ambrova, Grandchildren Sophie, Danny, Katrina.

Nephews Matthew and Brenden Rogers.

Her remaining first Cousin family, Jim Rogers, Eileen Fear, Bobby Barber and Wayne Pike.

She was predeceased by her Parents, Her brother Wesley Rogers, Sister in-law Adria Rogers. Son Mark Sullivan, Grandson Craig Sullivan, Step Grandson Ben Comparone, Foster Daughter Sandi Provost.

She also leaves behind the many wonderful and loved family members of the Rogers, Fries, Sullivan and Surprenant families.

The family would like to extend its gratitude and sincere thank you to the staff of the Norwichtown Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. Know you are a very caring establishment. Your understanding and helpful staff is very professional and sincere. Thank you.

And finally, to the Family of the First Church, so many wonderful people, from the beginning of our journey together, every nail we have driven into that cross has never bent, broken or rusted. A family with no end, we are forever grateful to have been part of your lives, your journey and to have known each and every one of you. Peace. (Go be Jesus freaks!)

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Congregational Church in memory of Joyce Sullivan

Calling hours will be from 1pm to 2pm at the First Congregational Church, 81 West Town St. on Friday Sept 20. A Christian remembrance service will follow at 2pm.

The burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich. Reception to follow back at the Church.

Arrangements made by Church & Allen Funeral Home, Sachem St. Norwich, CT.