Agnes Ellen Sullivan

Our beloved mother, Agnes Sullivan, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017, after 100 wonderful years. Agnes was born on July 24, 1916, in Blairsden, CA, to Isidore and Henrietta Riffel. She grew up in northern California, and attended Chico State University receiving a teaching credential. In 1945, Agnes married Emmett Sullivan. They lived near Yreka, CA, but due to Emmett's war injuries they were forced to sell their mountain home. They moved to Sacramento, CA, where they lived until 1956, and then moved to Fresno, CA. In 1961, Agnes returned to teaching with Fresno Unified School District where she taught until 1981, the same year her husband died. In retirement, Agnes enjoyed traveling and visited Europe and Hawaii on several occasions accompanied by one or more of her sisters. She loved her many trips with family visiting different parts of the country. Agnes loved the mountains and passed on her love of history, flora and fauna. She enjoyed painting and attending Elder Hostel classes. She was an avid reader and enjoyed historical fiction novels. Our mother's love of learning was passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and the Women's Guild for many years. Her faith was very important to her and she passed this on to her family. We would like to thank Dr. Phiripes and Dr. Sohn for the care of our mother, and Optimal Hospice for their care. Agnes loved living at Orchard Park and we thank all the people of Orchard Park for the wonderful care and companionship provided for our mother these past eight years. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Fr. Claude Riffel, and Melvin Riffel; sisters, Grace Micke, and Marietta Seney. Her youngest sister, Patricia Bray, joined her in heaven on Sunday, April 9, 2017.

Agnes is survived by her children, Francis Sullivan and wife Carol, Kathleen Decker, Colleen Harvill, Michael Sullivan and wife Kathy, and Deidre Putnam and husband John; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Monday, April 17, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church; or Valley Public Television.