Obituary of Sr. Mary Catharine Sullivan
Sister Mary Catharine Sullivan, age 90, died peacefully on February 25, 2025, at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, New Jersey. She was born in South Amboy, New Jersey, to Edward and Nora Sullivan. Her early education began at St. Teresa Elementary School in Woodside, New York, and continued at St. Agnes Academy in College Point, New York. Returning to New Jersey, Sister Mary Catharine pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish at Georgian Court College (now University) in Lakewood and graduated in 1955. The following September, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung, New Jersey, from St. Mary Parish in Plainfield, New Jersey.
Her first years in ministry were spent at Mount St. Mary Academy as a secondary teacher. Following her first profession, she was among the first sister faculty members at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville. After obtaining her master's degree at Middlebury College in Vermont, she returned to Georgian Court as an Assistant Professor of Spanish in 1965, where she began a series of positions, including Dean of Women, Director of Academic Affairs, Director of Evening Division, and Dean of Arts and Sciences.
In addition to her administrative duties, Sister Mary Catharine never gave up her teaching responsibilities and enrichment programs for her students. Not having children of her own, Sister Mary Catharine found immense joy and fulfillment in her role as an educator. She cherished her students and dedicated herself to their growth and development, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives through her passion for teaching and her unwavering commitment to their success. She spent her final years at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, New Jersey, in a community that she loved.
She is predeceased by her parents, Edward Sullivan and Nora Coleman Sullivan, her sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Eugene Kirk and nephew Timothy Kirk.
She is survived by her niece, Coleen Rossi (husband Daniel), and grandnephews, Timothy and Kyle Rossi; her nephew, Richard Kirk and his wife Cynthia, and their daughters, Sarah and Shannon; her cousin, Susan McCann; and her godson, Ed Sullivan.
May she rest in peace and continue to inspire all those who were touched by her wisdom and kindness.
Services will take place at McAuley Hall Heath Care Center, 1633 Highway 22, Watchung, New Jersey, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Wake: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Welcome Home Service: 10:00 AM
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM
Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield, New Jersey.
Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, New Jersey 07069.
