Laura Miller Sullivan left this earth and gained her angel wings on October 2, 2019 at 5:08 PM while holding the hand of her one and only son, Wayne Joseph Sullivan. She left behind her daughter-in-law, Theresa McKenna Sullivan, whom she always treated as a daughter. Her only grandchildren, which were her everything, Taylor Joseph Sullivan, married to Barbara Burzik Sullivan and Rose Sullivan Happy, married to Hendrick Happy. Her great grandchildren, who renewed the twinkle in her eyes, Penelope Rose Happy and Corbin Morrison Happy. Her one and only sister, Maxine Miller Gonzales, her first Godchild. Brothers-in-law, Alfonso Gonzalez and Rookie Nunez. Sisters-in-law, Wanda "Tootsie" Miller, Rosemarie Miller and Barbara Sullivan Nunez. She is also survived by her Godchildren, Maxine Gonzales, Johnny Serpas, Kelli Miller, Danny Miller and Alan Gonzales & many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in Death by the love of her life, her husband, Albert Joseph Sullivan. Her Parents, whom she never stopped missing, Alphonse August Miller, Sr. and Mabel Gonzales Miller. Beloved brothers, Alphonse Miller, Jr., whom she affectionately called, “Brother” and Kenneth Miller, Sr., whom she admired his sense of humor.
Laura resided in Plaquemines Parish until 2012. She was forced from her beloved home on Bazile Drive after Hurricane Isaac.
Her family would like to thank the facility of Parc Provence for the 2 years she spent in their Memory CARE Unit. The nurses and CNA's of the several hospice companies who cared for her. Most importantly nurses Tabitha, Courtney, Carol, Learryn, Nicole and especially her CNA who administered loving care, Elizabeth Coleman.
Laura Mae graduated Valedictorian from Braithwaite High School in 1948. She was Queen of the High School's Carnival Ball. She was silently proud.
Laura Mae, dropped the Mae while in college. She was just Laura to all of her friends and classmates. She graduated from LSU in 1952, with the highest of honors and was one of the first group of ladies called, The LSU Golden Girls. "They were more of a Flag and Drill Squad" she always said. She was silently excited of these accomplishments.
She started teaching in 1953 at West Lake High School, as an elementary teacher. In those days, most schools were first through twelfth grade. She was there for two years. She was excited to live on her own for the first time.
1955 brought her back home to teach at Arabi Elementary.
1956 - 1965 Laura was assigned to St. Bernard High School. It was there while chaperoning the 1956 Prom, on a blind date, she met the love of her life, Albert Sullivan. They wed on November 23, 1958. From 1958 on, she was known as Mrs. Sullivan. Not silent any longer, I’m Mrs. Sullivan! she exclaimed with joy, after the Thanksgiving Break.
1965 Laura helped open the new J.F. Gauthier Elementary School. During her years of teaching she continued with her education and earned a Master’s Degree from Loyola University, working hard to receive a perfect 4.0. Still silent, she pushed on.
1978 Laura's hard work paid off and she was named Curriculum Coordinator
assigned to Sabastian Roy. She was quietly excited for this achievement.
1980 Laura's ultimate goal was achieved when she was named principal of Gauthier. The school she helped open, was now her school. She was smiling from ear to ear and making the announcement proudly. Her family was overjoyed.
June 7, 1986 Laura retired from education. Gauthier gave her a large banquet attended by all of her family, staff, and friends who loved her. She retired to care for her Albert, after being in education for 33 years. Giving thanks to everyone, she found her voice and said, "I've loved being in education and teaching my students. I've loved my job every day. I can't imagine going to
work and not loving what you do."
All of these dates were verified, Laura saved every contract she ever signed. She keep them in her trusty strong box that she never evacuated without!
After her retirement and the death of her Albert in 1994. Laura took painting lessons and gave many of her paintings to family and friends. She loved to cross stitch and gave most of her creations away. Laura was an avid reader and read the Times-Picayune daily. She was a true lover of books. She was always participating in book swaps with family and friends. Laura volunteered every Thursday at the Los Islenos Museum. She dressed in her Canary Island costume, loved giving tours on the history of her Canary Island Ancestors. She participated in the Islenos Festival proudly wearing her costume. She chaired and awarded the Islenos Scholarship each year. Laura was chosen the Los Islenos Senior Queen in 2004 and was presented to the Our Lady of Lourdes Carnival Ball. That night she was escorted by her one and only son, Wayne, in white tails. Her granddaughter was a Junior Maid that night also and she sat in her seat beaming with pride, because her and Rose shared this event. She worked tirelessly for the St. Bernard Parish Retired Teachers Association. Chairing and awarding their scholarship annually for many years. The Red Cross of St. Bernard Parish created the Home Alone program for her. She continued this program until 2005 when Hurricane Katrina forced her to retire from the programs and committees she loved.
Laura was a member of Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church her entire life. She was a member of their St. Mary’s Sodality, Ladies Altar Society, Parish Council, Finance Council and Chairman of the Eucharistic Ministers until 2009. If the church needed help with a committee, she was the first to sign her name on the dotted line. She received the prestigious St. Louis Medallion on May 24, 2008 at St. Louis Cathedral. She was quietly proud but her family was extremely proud.
Diagnosed in 2006 with Alzheimer’s, Laura never questioned her destiny, her never ending belief in God and she relied on her strong Catholic faith to continue her life. She kept her smile until her last day. Laura will always be remembered for her quiet disposition, constant smile and the soft tone of her voice. She was much loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Tuesday. October 8, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM. She will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.
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