Mary Maureen Sullivan

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary “Maureen” Sullivan: a mother, wife, daughter, sister, teacher, neighbor, and friend. Maureen was born to Maurice and Maria Stickney on November 17, 1950 in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico and resided in Annapolis, MD for over three decades. Surrounded by family, she crossed over to be with God on Friday, October 1, 2021.

Maureen graduated with honors from Catholic University of America in 1973 and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1977. Her first assignment was as the Communications Officer at Naval Ordinance Station in Indian Head, MD before moving to Patuxent River, MD. She then received orders to Pensacola, FL where she served as the At-Sea Training Officer for NROTC from 1980-1984.

Enrolling in the Navy's postgraduate program in educational leadership, Maureen pursued a Master of Education and Training at the University of West Florida and received her degree in 1985. She completed a follow-on tour as the Navy's Liaison Officer and Curriculum Specialist at the Defense of Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) at Patrick Air Force Base, FL where she led instructor workshops until 1987. She reported for duty in Annapolis in 1988, serving as the Training Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy and overseeing the assignments of 3,200 midshipmen to over 60 world-wide training programs. She commenced an additional tour of duty in 1991 as a Course Leader and Instructor at the Academy's Department of Leadership and Law. In 1994, she was selected as the Director of the Learning Skills Program for the Academic Center to support midshipmen experiencing academic challenges. Completing 20 years of service with the Navy, she served her last tour at The Pentagon as the Military Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Equal Opportunity. Her name was among the first to be listed in the Military Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery and can still be seen there today.

Not long after retiring as Commander Sullivan, Maureen could be found sharing knowledge and insights as a bookseller at Barnes & Noble's bookstore. Her love of books led her to explore traveling, writing, cooking, and soul searching. Her love of teaching led to her return to the classroom where she became known as Señora Sullivan, inspiring hundreds of children to speak Spanish with assistance from her trusted amigo Jorge el Curioso. This second career, as a Spanish teacher at Indian Creek School in Crownsville, MD, culminated in more than 20 years of additional teaching service.

While climbing career ladders and raising a family, Maureen remained devoted to her Catholic faith and serving God. She worked as a docent greeting visitors to The Basilica of The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC and served as a member of the Ranger Rosary Guild of St. Mary’s Parish in Annapolis making rosaries for servicemen and women deployed in combat zones.

Maureen is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Dennis, and lovingly remembered by her two children Heather and Michael. Her devotion to Blessed Mother Mary, the angels, and saints will be carried on by those who loved and knew her.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Andrew’s Chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy for close family members in the coming weeks. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Shrine Grotto at Mount St. Mary's University or CLL Global Research Foundation.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.