Deborah "Debbie" May Sullivan

Deborah May Sullivan, a cherished member of the Longmont community, closed her eyes on March 21, 2024 and awoke in God's loving arms, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth that will forever be treasured by those who knew her.

Born on May 14, 1953, in Longmont, CO, Deborah was the beloved daughter of Charles E. Nelson and Pauline Baker Nelson. Growing up amidst the beauty of Longmont, she attended St. Vrain Country School, Burlington Longs Peak, and Longmont High School (class of ‘71), where her vibrant spirit and kindness endeared her to all who crossed her path.

On July 22, 1978, Deborah exchanged vows with her husband, Mark J. Sullivan, marking the beginning of a partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Together, they nurtured a family grounded in love and faith, raising three remarkable children: Erica, Jared, and Jessica.

Deborah's dedication to her family throughout life was unmatched. She took immense pride in her role as a mother, working part-time while devoting herself wholeheartedly to the upbringing of her children. At her home on St. Vrain Road, she created a sanctuary of love and joy, caring for her garden and sharing mouth-watering strawberries with those around her.

Her passion for crafting, culinary arts, and gardening was a testament to her creativity and nurturing spirit. As a skilled seamstress, Deborah poured her heart into sewing clothes for her children, leaving behind a legacy of handmade treasures that will be cherished for generations. She also took great pride in her culinary and decorative skills, crafting delicious meals while paying careful attention to presentation. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple family meal at the table, every moment gathered was an opportunity she took to express her creativity. Additionally, her green thumb was evident in the beauty of her garden, where every year brought forth a new color scheme of annuals, each bloom a reflection of her love for life's simple joys.

After raising her children, her thirst for knowledge led her to further her education at Front Range Community College and the University of Colorado Boulder, where she forged lifelong friendships through her involvement at Phi Theta Kappa. She found solace and strength in her faith, growing up in the congregation of Bethel Temple (now New Creation Church) among family and friends. She served with joy in the nursery there, blessing many families over the years with her loving kindness.

Deborah's adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, from the scenic and local landscapes of Estes Park to the enchanting streets of Stockholm, Sweden. Whether it was admiring the dahlias at Blomsterbackens Flower Farm in Sweden or marveling at the artistry of the Royal Delft Museum in Holland, she found joy in every new experience.

Deborah's love reached beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of her extended family, including surviving siblings Ray Nelson, Lidwina Clements, and Trudy Perry, as well as her aunt Barbara Ann and many cousins, nieces and nephews who were all very dear to her heart. She was the very embodiment of kindness and joy, taking every opportunity to make the lives of those around her better. Through her, God’s love reached many throughout the community.

A visitation for Deborah will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., Longmont, Colorado 80501. A celebration of Deborah's life will be held on March 29th 10:30am at New Creation Church (737 Bross St, Longmont), where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life. If you wish to make a donation, contributions may be made to the OUR Center (www.ourcenter.org), honoring Deborah's legacy of compassion and generosity.

She stands in heaven, surrounded by family and friends that have preceded her, and welcomed by a heavenly Father who has prepared a special place for her. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her, and a testament to God’s everlasting love.