Judith Ann Sullivan

Judith “Judy” Ann (Baranowski) Sullivan departed this world on June 15, 2026, at the age of 77, after a period of declining health. She was so very fortunate to pass into eternal life surrounded by the comforts of her own home which she had meticulously refined over the years, and where she had been lovingly cared for by her family during her final years. Writing about her in the past tense now feels very strange, as does walking past her empty bedroom and hearing a deafening silence.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard Sullivan; her son, Patrick Sullivan; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her son, Matthew, and surely by now they have all found each other and are sitting on the beach together in Wellfleet.

Judy was born to Frank A. Baranowski and Anna M. (Powers) Baranowski in Boston and grew up first in South Boston and later in Savin Hill. She married Richie in 1972 and enjoyed a long career in the laboratory at Boston City Hospital. The pair eventually settled in Marshfield Hills, where Judy made her home for the last 50 years and ultimately shifted her focus toward motherhood.

Growing up overlooking Malibu Beach in Dorchester and on her father’s boat, the Water Bug, Judy developed a love of the water that never left her. She treasured summers spent with family in Wellfleet and, after settling in Marshfield Hills, convinced Richie to build the swimming pool she designed. She loved to entertain. For decades, generations of family and friends gathered there for holidays, pool parties, celebrations, and countless summer afternoons together. Some of their happiest memories were made around that pool and on the beaches of Wellfleet.

Judy loved traveling, shopping, learning new things, sharing a good meal, and her books, but most of all she loved being a mother and taking care of her family. She was exceedingly proud of her sons and their accomplishments and, although during times of discipline she would often remind them that her job was to be “your parent, not your friend,” much to her chagrin, she was both.

Judy was an excellent judge of character and, if you gave her a hard time, God help you, because she was going to give it right back to you. But if you were a good person, she would move mountains for you. Her fiery red hair perfectly suited her fiery personality, which makes it even more difficult to imagine a world without her. The sun shines a little less brightly now. Despite being very aware of her prognosis, her family somehow still felt she would live forever.

Per Judy’s last wishes, there will be no public visitation or calling hours. Burial will be private with family Tuesday, June 23 10:45 AM at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. The family will announce a celebration of life in the future.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory may make donations in her name to Sowing Seeds in Marshfield or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.