Lincoln – Therese L. (Marchand) Sullivan, 94, of Lincoln passed away peacefully Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Holiday Retirement Home, Lincoln surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward J. Sullivan, Sr. Born in Woonsocket, a daughter of the late Arthur and Alida (Cadorette) Marchand, she had lived in Lincoln for the past 67 years. She loved school and influenced by her teacher Miss O’Donnell wanted to be a teacher herself.
Terry graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1942 and Rhode Island College in 1946. Upon graduation, Terry taught elementary school in Woonsocket and later in Lincoln. She was fulfilled by the opportunity to teach Adult Education programs enabling others to read to their children, promoting education and learning within a family dynamic.
As a senior in college her good friend, Esther Sullivan Gallagher, introduced Terry to her brother, returning war veteran, Edward Sullivan. Terry and Ed were happily married until his passing 52 years later. Terry appreciated her education and prioritized opportunity for all in education, sport, and career.
It’s for this reason that a scholarship fund has been established at Rhode Island College in Terry’s name with the purpose of developing secure, curious, lifetime learners. Her faith was extremely important and influenced her life. She was a congregant of St. Jude’s Church in Lincoln, and then Historic St. Joseph’s Church in Cumberland, where she was a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Women’s Guild.
She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for women educators. At RIC, she participated in the Student Council, Acapella Choir, Dramatic League, May Day, May Queens Court, Daisy Chain, Stunt Night, Soccer, Badminton, Table Tennis, College Shop Volunteer, Minor Productions, Swimming and Pep Squad. Terry is survived by her nine loving children and spouses, Kevin Sullivan (Deborah) of Lincoln, Sean Sullivan (Debi) of Cranston, A. Timothy Sullivan (Mary) of Sarasota, FL, James “Jamie” Sullivan (Judith) of Cumberland, and Gail Albert (Steven), Ann Rogan, Maura Skahan (Thomas), Pegeen Moreau (David) and Edward J. “Ted” Sullivan, Jr. (Christine “Teena”), all of Lincoln; her beloved twenty-nine grandchildren; her beloved thirty-one great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Arthur E. “Sonny” Marchand and Dolores M. Matteson. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 13 at 10 A.M. in Historic St. Joseph’s Church, 1303 Mendon Road, Cumberland. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Cumberland.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln Wednesday 3-7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Terry’s memory to the Therese L. Marchand Sullivan Endowment Scholarship, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 would be appreciated. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www. bellowsfuneralchapel.com.
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