Estelle Marie Sullivan

Estelle Marie Sullivan, 85, passed away Saturday, July 24, at home in Oriental, North Carolina, surrounded by family. Estelle was married to Dr. James Sullivan, a plastic surgeon in Northwest Ohio until his retirement in 1987. Estelle dedicated her life to family, community, and church. She was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, a descendant of prominent Lutheran pastors, A.L. Benze and Otto Benze. The Benze family founded and led numerous churches in Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. In Toledo, she was a long time parishioner at Gesu Catholic Church, frequently visited shut-ins, volunteered at Sunshine Children's' Home, and began her dedicated service to Meals on Wheels - a commitment she maintained for over thirty years in three states. She loved music and playing violin became a lifelong passion. Born on March 22, 1925, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Estelle married James Sullivan in Washington, D.C., and raised their family of twelve in Toledo. Estelle and James retired to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and settled in Oriental, North Carolina, in 1999. Estelle is survived by her beloved husband, James Sullivan, and their sons George Sullivan of San Francisco, Calif.; James Sullivan (Jenelle) of Toledo; and Raymond Sullivan (Carole) of Ojo, Calif.; and daughters Mary Alice Hernandez (Pedro) of Atlanta, Ga.; Gail Bocian (Eric) of Toledo; Kathleen Fuller (James) of Athens, Ohio; Estelle Parker (Alan) of Cleveland, Ohio; Jeanne Sullivan of Toledo; Patricia Johnson (Thomas) of Austin, Tex.; Michelle Niklas (Jack) of Hillsborough, N.C.; and Christine Callaghan (John) of Toledo. Estelle is preceded in death by her son, Timothy Sullivan, and granddaughter, Angela Sullivan. The extended family includes 32 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home 3453 Heatherdowns Blvd at Byrne Rd. Thursday July 29, 2010 4-8 P.M. with the recitation of the rosary at 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home Friday July 30, at 9:15 A.M. with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at Gesu Church 2049 Parkside Blvd at 10:00 A.M. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Mobile Meals of Toledo Inc., or to the Toledo Seagate Food Bank. Please view and sign Estelle's condolence book at Berstickerscottfuneralhome.com

Visitation Details

Thursday, July 29th, 2010 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home

Service Information

Friday, July 30th, 2010 10:00am, Gesu Church

Details:

Service Extra Info Funeral prayers will be offered at the Bersticker Scott Funeral Home Friday morning at 9:15 A.M.

Interment Details

Calvary Cemetery