Jacquelyn A. Sullivan

East Lyme- Jacquelyn “Jackie” Sullivan, born December 27, 1954, left an indelible mark on the hearts of many as she embarked on her final journey on February 22, 2024. Jackie graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1972 before earning a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Northern Colorado and then later, a Master’s Degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. Jackie leaves behind cherished memories for her family and friends, who remember her as a brilliant, creative force of nature—a gentle soul with an unyielding spirit. Jackie is survived by her compassionate and devoted wife, Jeanne Manfredi, sister Regina Birdsell, brother-in-law William, nephew Scott, cousins Ann and Jay Hennessey, as well as other extended relatives and supportive friends. She was predeceased by her beloved mother, Dorothy, father, John “Jack” Sullivan, and step-mother, Alice “Mrs. Ed” Sullivan.

She settled in Niantic in 1976 balancing her work as an artist while beginning her career as an art educator, first at Ledyard Middle School for seven years, then at Lyme-Old Lyme High School where she flourished and after thirty-five years, retired. As an artist / screen printer, her work was displayed locally at the Mystic Art Show, Niantic Art Show, the Slater Memorial Museum, the first annual Connecticut Gallery, and Stoneledge Art Gallery in Noank. Along with her stunning art, the locals knew Jackie for her original t-shirt designs sold every year at the Niantic Art Show until the early 90s. She was an inspirational art teacher whose passion nurtured young minds. Her dedication was honored with the Connecticut Alliance for Arts Education Distinguished Art Educator Award in ‘96. A testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft was guiding numerous students to state and national art awards. The opportunities she provided her students were endless, never limiting them or herself to only one medium and enjoying the freedom of diverse artistic expression. She shattered boundaries for her students especially when it came to video and animation, making her program one that was ahead of its time. There were no bounds to her genius.

Jackie was also known to students as an adventurous chaperone on many leadership weekends or service learning trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. During winter and summer vacations she was either backpacking out west or skiing the Rockies or the Alps. Living on the Niantic River for over 40 years, Jackie loved and embraced her surroundings. She could be found building or repairing rock walls along the riverbank of her property or tootling around the bay in her Boston Whaler catching fish. She was a passionate environmentalist especially when it came to the Niantic River, championing a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Jackie had a zest for life and a thirst for adventure. Together with her life partner Jeanne, she explored the far reaches of the globe from Japan, China and Tibet to Morocco, France and Italy. Before Jackie began her 9 year fight against cancer, they lived in Argentina for five months which ended in a two week backpacking trip in Patagonia - fulfilling her lifelong dream.

While she may no longer walk among us, her legacy of kindness, generosity, and resilience will endure. As we bid farewell to Jackie Sullivan, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and passion—a life that touched countless hearts and inspired generations. Though she may have passed into the great unknown, her light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Rest in peace, dear Jackie. Your spirit will forever guide us, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved you.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Save the River- Save the Hills in Jackie's honor.

A celebration of Jackie's life will be held at a later date which will be posted in The Day newspaper. Friends and loved ones will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her extraordinary journey.