Obituary: Josephine Sullivan

Josephine Sullivan, at 84

Josephine Sullivan, 84, of Hull passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, 2023 at South Shore Hospital, surrounded by her family. 

She was born on Feb. 12, 1939, President Lincoln’s birthday, in Boston, to the late Ralph and Phyllis Ventresca. She was the second youngest of seven siblings.

She married the love of her life, Jay Sullivan, in 1957, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage until his death on Nov. 4, 2020.

Mrs. Sullivan was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, and friend. Her true love was her family; friends, especially her girlfriends; neighbors; the people she worked with over the years; and any stranger she met. She was always ready to lend a hand or shoulder, laughter and wonderful food at family gatherings, or a hug and friendship to anyone, especially those in need. She had a ready smile, warm hands and a generous heart that touched many lives.

Mrs. Sullivan is survived by her three children: Michael Sullivan of Hingham, Kathrine Sullivan of Randolph, and Sheila Sullivan of Hull; her three grandchildren: Colin Sullivan of Boston, Riane Sullivan of New York, and Liam Sullivan of San Francisco; her sister, Annette McCarthy of Kingston; her brother-in-law and wife, Barry and Diana Sullivan of Danbury, N.H.; many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, whom she loved very much; and Lefty, her cat.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Sullivan’s memory to the Wellspring of Hull or the West End House Boys & Girls Club of Boston.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and caregivers, as well as the palliative team at South Shore Hospital, for their compassionate care and support during Mrs. Sullivan’s final days.

Grandma, Auntie Jo, Joey, Jo, and Mom will be dearly missed. Her love and kind-heartedness are a blessing and will always be remembered.

For more information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.