Sullivan, Frances A.

Frances A. “Addie” Sullivan (Kelly) of Canton passed away February 11, 2023 surrounded by her loving family, just shy of her 101st birthday.

Born in Boston, she was raised in the Fields Corner section of the city and graduated from Jeremiah Burke High School and Boston Business School. She worked as a file clerk in the Boston Federal Bureau of Investigation office until she met the love of her life, Richard W. Sullivan, and started a family. Addie and Richard previously lived in Dorchester before moving to Canton in 1966 where Addie was a much loved and active member of the community.

A true Irish matriarch, she devoted most of her time to raising her five children but also worked tirelessly for the St. John the Evangelist Church community, whom she adored. She was a member of the Altar Guild, a member and past president of Legion of Mary, a Eucharistic minister, a lecture and CCD teacher, and also brought Holy Communion to homebound parishioners. She would visit the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to say the rosary on Tuesday afternoons and often lead a sing-along amongst patients.

She volunteered for many years at the Dean S. Luce School as an assistant for the fifth grade class. She enjoyed working at the polls for each election and always brought a loaf or two of Irish bread to “start the day off right.” For many years Addie also delivered Meals on Wheels in the town of Canton and donated frequently to the plasma pheresis program at the Red Cross in Boston. In 2010, Addie was awarded the Cheverus Award given by the Archdiocese of Boston for her contribution to her community and parish.

Addie was full of life and loved to share a song, a helping hand, and a bit of wit and wisdom. She lived a life of purpose and generosity of spirit that benefited all who knew her. She will be forever loved and missed.

Beloved wife of the late Richard W. for 52 years. Mother of Jeanne M. Sullivan of Plaistow, NH, Kevin J. Sullivan of Canton, Stephen J. Sullivan of Canton, Mary A. Sullivan and her husband, Paul Gobeil, of Amesbury, and the late Richard J. Sullivan and his wife, Susan. Sister of the late Margaret Riordan, Marie Mahoney, John Kelly, and Patricia Caddick. Aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her grandchildren, Michael Sullivan (Moira) of PA, Matthew Sullivan (Kim) of CT, Amy Sullivan Riley (Mike) of CA, Alex Gobeil (Amandla Hameed), Anna Gobeil (Alex Salhany) and Devlin Gobeil (Libby Wilkinson), all of MA, and great-grandchildren Riley, Jack and Mikaela Sullivan of PA, Harper and Avery Sullivan of CT, and Reese Riley of CA.

Visiting hours will be at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, on Friday, February 17, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass in St. Oscar Romero Church Saturday at 11:30 a.m. with a burial in Canton Corner Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Oscar Romero Parish, 700 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=104237

Posted by Canton Citizen on Feb 16 2023. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.