Obituary of Mary J. Sullivan

SULLIVAN, Mary J. (Daddona) Age 82 of Lowman, NY. She was born January 5, 1933 in Elmira, NY, daughter of the late Michael and Genevieve Daddona and passed away Friday, September 18, 2015, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Charles T. Sullivan, daughter: Carol Douglas (Tom Moretti), sons; Michael (Roxanne) Sullivan of Elmira, John (Melonie) Sullivan of TN, and Joseph (Lynn) Sullivan of Horseheads, brother: John (Ruth) Daddona of FL, sister: Arlene Liberatore of Elmira, grandchildren; Cole (Ashley) Douglas, Nicole Douglas, Megan, Kyle (Britney), Taryn, Brittany, Deven, Alexandra, Ashley, and Lauren Sullivan, six great grandchildren, step-granddaughters Megan and Amanda Greatsinger, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends; especially Mary Jane McDonald, friend of almost 80 years. Mary received her Master’s in teaching from Elmira College and Mansfield College. Mary taught Art to high school and special education children in the Ithaca School district. She spent many years as a substitute teacher in the Elmira School District. She was also a physical education teacher at Ss. Peter & Paul’s school in Elmira. Mary was skilled in all areas of art education including ceramics, drawing, oil & water color painting. Her passion was learning and writing Icons, spending many hours in prayer. Her life revolved around her family and the Roman Catholic faith. Mary was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Parish, a member of the Ladies of Charity and Adoration Society, and American Legion Auxiliary #443. She found great joy in doing her Sudoku and crossword puzzles and was never without the latest book. Mary could whip up a dinner for 50 people or create and sew a dozen costumes for the Christmas parade in the blink of an eye. She spent many hours volunteering at the Community soup kitchen and Samaritan Center. Mary was a kind and gentle soul, a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend. She always knew the proper way to do anything. She was a very loving and giving person who will be missed dearly by all those whose lives she touched. The holidays will never be the same without her famous orange cookies. Her advice to all was “be nice”. We love you Mary; you will be in our hearts forever. Friends and family are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Prayers will be offered there on Thursday, September 24th at 9:30 am, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Ss. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, 556 East Market Street, Elmira, NY. Rev. Richard Farrell, Celebrant. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Woodlawn National Cemetery, 1825 Davis St., Elmira, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined; those wishing may make a donation in Mary’s name to a charity of their choice.