Suzanne Sullivan

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Suzanne grew up with a strong sense of determination and curiosity. She graduated from East Orange High School and soon began working at Bell Labs in Summit, NJ, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Sullivan. The two were married in 1962, beginning a partnership that would span 62 years and form the foundation of a close-knit, loving family.

Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and shared adventure. While raising their three daughters on a small homestead outside Millbrook, New York, Suzanne cultivated not only a thriving home but also her own academic ambitions. She attended SUNY New Paltz, graduating with honors—an accomplishment that reflected her discipline and lifelong commitment to learning.

Suzanne went on to build a successful 20-year career in accounting and finance. She held positions at Cardinal Hayes Home in Millbrook, New York, Bissell Companies in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte. She concluded her professional journey as Controller of LandDesign, where her leadership and expertise left a lasting impact.

After retiring in 2000, Suzanne devoted her time to her passions and her community. In Moore County, North Carolina, she became deeply involved in the quilting and sewing community, where she spent countless joyful hours creating, teaching, and learning. As Treasurer of the Sandhills Quilt Guild, she contributed her skills and leadership, and she generously taught machine embroidery to fellow members. Suzanne also played an integral role in organizing the Sandhills Quilt Show for many years and earned several awards for her intricate and beautiful quilts.Suzanne found deep joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments, creating traditions that became treasured memories for her family. Whether it was choosing the perfect Christmas tree from the backyard, picking fresh vegetables from the homestead garden, or baking custom birthday cakes carefully selected from her well-loved “cake cookbook,” she brought thoughtfulness and love to everything she did. She delighted in tending her garden, canning the season’s harvest, and sewing clothes for her children—acts that reflected both her creativity and devotion.

She and Joseph, along with their three daughters, shared a passion for adventure, setting out on memorable cross-country journeys to explore the nation’s parks and landscapes. They also cherished family beach trips filled with shark tooth scavenger hunts, boogie boarding, and building sandcastles - simple joys that brought laughter and lasting memories. Together, these experiences of discovery and togetherness became a beloved part of the family’s story.

She had a deep love of her family and her friends, a passion for creativity, and an enthusiasm for learning new skills and technologies. Above all, Suzanne believed in the power of education and was a steadfast supporter of her family’s academic pursuits, helping foster a legacy of achievement and curiosity.

Suzanne is lovingly remembered by her husband, Joseph Sullivan; her three daughters, Ann-Marie, Jeanette, and Lori; her six grandchildren, Devin, Ryan, Shannon, Connor, Ashlynn, and Avery; and her three great-grandchildren. Her warmth, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.leukemia-lymphoma-society.com.