Helen Elizabeth Sullivan

Helen Elizabeth Sullivan passed away peacefully at Saint Luke's Hospital early in the morning on July 6th, after a long and courageous health battle with her fiancé by her side. Helen valiantly fought her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis for over 17 years, and subsequently fought just as bravely and fiercely through her battle with sarcoidosis. Helen was unfortunately taken ill with a double pneumonia and subsequent infections last month that she could not manage to overcome.

Helen is survived by her fiancé, best friend and partner in life, Randy Ross of Hyannis; her daughter Jeannette Rocker and her husband John of Haverhill. Helen's siblings include, Rita Blanchard and her husband John of Stoneham, James Sullivan and his wife Seta of Arlington, Myles Sullivan and his wife Maureen of Arlington, Janet McSweeney and her husband David of Salem, NH, and Mark Sullivan and his girlfriend Melinda Popp of North Kingstown, RI. Helen is also survived by her grandchildren Hailey and Austin Rocker, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Helen blessed Randy's family with her presence, knowledge, and unique perspectives on life as Helen and Randy's relationship blossomed. As she eagerly prepared to share her life with Randy and his parents, Clyde and Marilyn Ross in Hyannis. Randy’s family is devastated that her illness took her at the cusp of a long-awaited new chapter in their life together. Sadly, she was not able to see Clyde and Marilyn after they arrived with Randy in Hyannis to share their life together in their new apartment. As always, she was thinking of others and did not want them to visit her in the hospital fearing they would be infected by whatever she had, or some other illness from the hospital.

Randy’s parents met in 1951 in Dover, NH and have been together ever since, sharing 73 years of life together, a true inspiration for Helen and Randy who have found love together since 2016 living in a variety of places including Salisbury, Plum Island, Pocasset, Littleton and briefly Hyannis. Randy looked at Helen as "Wonder Woman" for all she had survived in life and was truly surprised and heartbroken when the perfect storm ended her life way too soon. Helen always looked at Randy as her "polar bear" who enjoyed the cold and had a love of bears since childhood and resulted with their living space well populated by bears. They were looking forward to growing old together before Helen's body just could not survive another day of fighting for life. Randy's grief is shared by his son Boston Ross and his wife Katie (and granddaughter Nellie) as well as his daughter Aleiyah Pathomkasikul and her husband Kenny of Melissa, Texas, along with Randy's brother Ron and wife Patty of Mechanicsburg, PA.

Predeceased by her parents, James and Jennette Sullivan, originally of Woburn, MA, as well as her beloved Uncle Joe and Aunt Rose Sullivan of Austin, TX.

Helen's summers in Texas with her extended family always remained one of the happiest times of her life. She leaves behind countless "Kin Folk" from the Austin, TX area, as her Uncle Joe would have said.

As Helen has been called home to the Lord, her family takes peace in knowing she has been reunited with our four-legged family members from over the years. Jackson, Buster, Meghan, Jasmine, Juliet, and Lola to name a few of the pups who have blessed our family throughout the years.

Her infectious laugh will burn bright in all of our hearts and minds. The smiles and memories from better and healthier days will shine brighter than the struggles faced throughout the years and bring peace to those who loved her. The smell of White Diamonds perfume will bring the memories of her physical presence back to us in an instant.

As a force to be reckoned with, Helen lived and loved fiercely. Defying the odds with a daunting cancer diagnosis she lived long enough to see her daughter get married, build a family and experience the love of her grandchildren. Her grandkids were able to build many memories over the years of exploring the beach with Nana, searching for treasure, and always being met with a smile, hug and lots of love (and lots of presents, no one left empty handed from a visit with Nana). Helen found the unconditional love and support of her best friend and fiancé, Randy later on in life and together they built a life of peace and happiness by the ocean with their beloved dog Shawnee.

Helen was a registered nurse and prided herself on a long career of caring for children as a registered psychiatric nurse. After her diagnosis of breast cancer, she utilized her background in healthcare to lead various support groups for others who were facing similar struggles. As she faced her own challenges, she always thrived when she could help others with her knowledge and experiences. Helen was always the first to offer to take in and support anyone in need.

In lieu of flowers, please consider calling a family member or friend that you haven't seen or spoken to in a while, consider reconnecting with a long-lost friend, send that message you've always been meaning to get around to or let go of a grudge that is weighing you down. Life is short and Helen’s family hopes that their loss might inspire some change in others. Please hug your loved ones a little bit tighter or just find some time to slow down and enjoy in the simple things in life.

A few charitable foundations that Helen championed for over the years include The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, The MS Society and The Lowell General Cancer Center, a donation to any of these would also be a lovely tribute in her memory.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:00AM in Sacred Heart Parish, 165 S Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01835. Relatives and friends are invited.