Obituary of Mary Ellen Sullivan

Mary Ellen (McNally) Sullivan, 83, passed from this life on January 23, 2023, with her daughter by her side. She was the second of five children born to Sylvester and Dorothy (Scanlan) McNally.

Her early childhood and many other times were spent with her family on a family farm where she found her love of cows, and lack of love for doing the dishes according to her sisters. In the late 50’s, she met and later married Jerry T. Sullivan, Jr.  Mary Ellen spent 38 years as the wife of a Maine State Trooper and more importantly, she was a stay-at-home Mom raising their children. She also helped take care of other neighborhood children, and always held a special place in her heart for the Campbell family, especially Mardi.  When the children were grown, she worked for many years in the Clerk’s Office for the City of Bangor. During election time she could be found at the polls doing her part to ensure every vote counted. For many years she hosted a family reunion pool party, where everyone ate well and shared stories of years past and those to come. Family was important to Mary Ellen. She was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Parish where she “retired” in 2022 from her position as eucharistic minister among other duties.

Mary Ellen is survived by her son Michael (Cathy) of Rochester, NH; daughter Maureen (Michael Flood) of Pittsfield, ME; son Mark (Jen) of Glenburn; sister Betty Blackshaw of McLean, VA; brother Michael (Carol) of Leominster, MA; sister-in-law Mary McBain of Bangor, ME; grandchildren Andrew (Kaylee) and Alex Sullivan, Christopher Warner, Monica (Daniel) Mizner, Brian Martinez; great-grandchildren Bentley, Lilly-Anne, River and Ryan Marie; many nephews, nieces and good friends. She was predeceased by her parents; husband of 61 years, Jerry T. Sullivan, Jr.; sister Joan and brother-in-law Ted Wilson; sister Jeanette; brother-in-law Ken Blackshaw; nephews Greg Wilson and Michael Brooker.

The family would like to thank the staff at Orono Commons, especially Peyton and Shannon, for their compassionate care; Gentiva (Kindred) Hospice for their knowledge and support; and St. Joseph Healthcare for their many years of caring for the Sullivan Family.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Ellen has requested to please consider a donation to the Salvation Army, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, or the charity of your choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 A.M., Thursday, February 2, 2023, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor.  Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor.  All are invited to a reception in the church hall following the burial. 

Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.  Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com