Jane Sullivan Obituary

Jane, I´m still using your voice materials with my students and get to see your lovely headshot in my home studio. You were the best and I know wherever you are your light and love are shining as bright as ever.

Jane, I have your headshot and some music from your studio at Sherwood. I see your beautiful smiling face everyday and use your music with my students. You are always in my heart. You were a great friend and colleague. Miss you.

It´s so uplifting to know that Jane is not forgotten. How excited she would to know that one of her students was starting college. She treasured each of them.

Thinking about you recently, Jane. My son had you as his music teacher when he was small and used to sing your songs everyday in the car. My husband and I still laugh about this . Such sweet memories. Thank you. He started college this year. We will never forget you :)

Missing you today, Jane. Hope the heavens are rejoicing with your beautiful voice.

It is so hard to imagine the years that have gone since we last enjoyed each other´s company. But the love endures. You will always have a place in my Heart. Listening to you sing brings you close once again. Until we meet again-Love Mom

It's hard to believe it's been so long, Jane. You had an impact on so many people, me among them. Watching you teach - and watching you sing! Talking with you about music and life - these things changed me and altered how I think about what I do and what's important.

You made a difference then, and you still do now.

Remembering you today, Jane. May you continue to Rest In Peace and your legacy of beautiful music continue in the hearts of many.

Jane, you are not forgotten. So many beautiful memories. Singing with you as you sat at the piano is one favorite. Stone Soup is another. And then listening yo you sing with the Schola at Saint Ben’s. I hope you and Dad are close to one another. He loved you so.
Love always, Mom

Last week, Matthew started college.
On our trip down to Boston, we spoke about Jane and the lasting impression she made on his life. Jane remains Matthew’s favorite teacher. His love of music came directly from her.
Jane made an impression on all of us who were blessed to know her. Please know, she remains in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts.

Thinking of Jane...thanks to her support and guidance, I made a major decision at a juncture in my life. I wish I could have thanked her years later. So I hope her family still reads this and knows she made an impact in many lives. She was one of the most beautiful souls Ive met. One of lifes true gifts.

Remembering Jane Sullivan today. There's transition at Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia College and I will make sure Jane's legacy lives on in her music.

Jane,
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Evalena Jane is 11, loves Broadway and is constantly singing. I can't help but think your spirit is with her. ❤ Lincoln is almost 8, an old soul and a rock musician at heart. I miss you but know you are safe in Jesus' arms. Love you, Janers. Kath

Jane is forever in our hearts. Matthew is a senior in high school. He plays piano and his love of music all started with Miss Jane. She lives on in all of the students blessed to have her as a teacher.

Aunt Jane, I just want you to know that I miss you so much, and that I know that you are in God's hands. My birthday is this Monday and my party is this Saturday. I know that you will be right by my side which comforts me when I'm down. And I know that you will be by my side when I have my greatest achievements. You will always be with me! And I definetly will never forget you! And I promise you that these last 10 years have been great because you were right by my side. Love you Aunt Jane, Jack Patrick Sullivan ,Aunt Jane, I just want you to know that I miss you so much, and that I know that you are in God's hands. My birthday is this Monday and my party is this Saturday. I know that you will be right by my side which comforts me when I'm down. And I know that you will be by my side when I have my greatest achievements. You will always be with me! And I definetly will never forget you! And I promise you that these last 10 years have been great because you were right by my side. Love you Aunt Jane, Jack Patrick Sullivan

Thinking of you sweet Jane.

Jane, you and I shared many secrets with each other and personal feelings and opinions on things. I miss u as my voice teacher. RIP, Jane ????

I was just at a CSB reunion and heard that Jane had passed. She was a brilliant musician and I had the opportunity to perform with her countless times while at CSB. I accompanied her senior recital all the while focusing on the beauty of her voice instead of the notes on my piano score. The world lost an amazing indvidual but heaven has an incredible voice singing in the choir.

Jane, I found a picture of us from St. Ben's while cleaning out my office. It's goofy and fun and reminded me again of your spirit. It was the first time I cried in a long time, Jane. Love and miss you dearly,
Kath

I've been thinking about you lately, Jane, and wanted to share that.

Smiles and fond memories.

Happy birthday, Jane! I miss our birthday phone calls to each other. You are always in our hearts. Until we see each other face to face...love you!

This weekend we mark the 5th anniversary of my sister Jane's death. I miss her everyday. But it is made easier by all her friends that still keep in touch and share their memories. Thank you everyone.

Music is Jane's Legacy. We are still raising funds for a memorial scholarship fund at St. Ben's.

Gifts can be addressed to: The  Jane McDonald Sullivan Music Scholarship c/o  College of St. Benedict, 37 S. College Ave., St. Joseph, Minnesota, 56374, Attn: Kolleen 

Warm regards,
Bill

I'm absolutely heartbroken to have just heard this news, and devastated that I was not able to have been at her service. Jane was my dear friend; we were RA's together at Roosevelt, did "The Medium" together, and commiserated often with each other. She introduced me to the idea of being an Artist, not just a performer, and helped me to embrace all the significance and responsibility of being truthful and revelatory through art. Quite simply, I loved her, as did many. "And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest..."

I just learned of Jane's passing and I am so utterly floored. I loved her so much. I truly counted her as one of my best friends on the planet and I just can't believe she's gone. Words cannot describe the loss of Jane Sullivan, to this world. She was a truly magical being - completely in touch with her cosmic purpose on this planet. Jane was and is an angel...

I'll always remember Christmas 2004 at your house. Miss you Jane, Merry Christmas.

Thinking of you and your family!

Jane, I still miss you so much. But now that liitle hole in my heart, where you reside, can fill in with happy memories along with missing you. Thinking of you brings warm and soft thoughts of our times in music and friendship. My heart also sends love to the Sullivan family.

Matthew is now 8 years old. Miss Jane's talent and love shines through Matthew when he plays the piano. Craig and I just discussed last week, how truly blessed we were to have had Miss Jane for Matthew's teacher. All teachers should have Miss Jane's passion, love, dedication, and commitment to their students.

Jane, I think about you whenever I'm singing songs in my preschool classroom, wishing I had SOME sort of vocal talent! I wish you were here to give me all the advice that you always had for everyone.Miss you.
Julie

Jane is my guiding light and inspiration. When I see God's beauty in this world, I think of her. She left such a thoughtful legacy with us. Sending love to Jane, our angel in heaven, and many blessings to the Sullivan family.

I miss you Jane. I thank God often that he blessed me enough to have you for a friend as long as I did.

There's been many times in these past four years where Jane's presence is felt. It's usually when I'm in need of some extra TLC or when I witness selfless beauty in another person. Jane still teaches me what's important in life and that is a priceless treasure!

I can't believe it's been 4 years since Jane's physical body left us. I still depend on her like I always did: for guidance, inspiration and unconditional love. Love you, Jane... always will! Paula

Miss you all the time Jane! You inspired me more than you knew. I miss our heart to heart talks and the way you got right to the "heart" of the matter. Love you! Much love to all the Sullivans too!!

A vocal selection from Jane:

http://janemcdonaldsullivan.org/Documents/Home.mp3

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
 
The Sullivan Family has established a music scholarship fund at the College of St. Benedict. Jane graduated from the College of St. Benedict with a Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Music and Psychology.
 
Checks can be made payable to "College of St. Benedict."
 
Mail to:
 
College of St. Benedict
c/o Jane McDonald Sullivan
Music Scholarship
37 S. College Ave.
St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374
Attn: Kolleen Kellom

On September 3, 2006 we lost my sister Jane. Everyday she is remembered and missed. I love you baby sister.

Miss you Jane.

Still thinking of Jane often. We were just listening to one of the CDs with my son. She helped me a lot with his disability.

Jane, I am thinking of you today and needed to hear your voice in song. Beautiful.
Sarah

Jane, I am thinking of you today and needed to hear your voice in song. Beautiful.
Sarah

Jane,I think of you so often. Last night at Choir Rehearsal, I pulled out some sheets of music for Holy Thursday realizing that the marks on them were from practicing the song with you during Voice Coaching. I can vividly remember the times at Sherwood with you. I still get tears when I am thinking of you and our times together. I thank you for all I have developed in my singing. Always with love, Pat

Jane,you will be sitting by my side while I attend Puccini's La Boheme this coming weekend. I often go to opera performances by myself as I know I am never alone with you in my heart, dear friend. Thanks always for your gift of friendship and music.
Love, Niko

What a lovely thing to say, Thom. I too miss you, Jane and I loved singing with you!!

I still think of you all of the time dear! Thanks for watching out for me, and most of all thanks for all of the love and lessons. Thom

I think of you so very often Jane. You are missed dearly by all of your friends. We had a brunch in your honor for the 3 year anniversary of your death. It is hard to believe you are not here. You live on in my heart!
All my love-
Lori

You really live on in our hearts and music....

Jane,
I think of you so often, it doesn't feel like it's been three years. Each time I open my mouth to sing I thank you, in my heart, for bringing me from bass to soprano. You are so special to me.

Jane,

Ellery and I visited your grave yesterday. I told her we were at the cemetery but she doesn't know about death yet. She spent the time singing and dancing through the cemetery. I think she felt your spirit...what a good feeling.

I miss you Jane.

Megan

Jane - We sang today in honor of you! You've left an indelible mark on so many people....that's why we continue to honor you with our words. Give Jerry a hug for us in heaven! Love you...Kath

I have been thinking of Jane so much lately. I remember her encouraging words--and they have been helping! I love you, Jane!

Today, Jane, you called to me and so I thought about all the smiles you brought to children and families, not to mention us singers, colleagues, and friends.

I just can't help but sit here in tears, years after you've gone, and think about how much the world misses you. But I trust you are with my wee nephew Cody now - signing songs and continually reminding the living that, as one person said, the dead are only a thin curtain away.

May we all hold you dear forever and smile upon you when the curtain is brushed aside and we embrace again.

Much love and peace

Happy Birthday!! We will never forget about you, and cannot seem to part with our Music Together cds...It helps us honor you....

Jane,
Thinking of you and your family on your birthday.
All my love,
Peggy

Jane, I remember after a recital we sang together you told me I had talent. I brushed it off and laughed. You grabbed my arm and said, "No, look at my eyes. YOU ARE TALENTED!" I will never forget how you made me feel. I also know our birthdays are coming up because we are both Aries. God bless you and your family. I think of you all the time.

Even though time moves on and seasons change, there remain some constants in life. One of those constants is that love never fails. Miss Jane, you taught me to step out of my comfort zone -- encouraging me to continue to nurture the talents I already possessed. You were my mentor. I think of you often. Even though I have moved away from Chicago your words, your laughter, and your music are still a cherished part of my life. Your legacy is strong.

Marriage of Figaro....thanks for sharing your gift with me on stage.
zachary

Thinking of you as I sing to Evy, Jane. Miss you every day.

Dearest Jane,
I miss you and think of you often...oh how I would love to hear your laughter again. I started running again and think of your remarkable half-marathon. You have always been an inspiration to me. Until we meet again...

Dear Jane,

Today we are supposed to be celebrating your 38th birthday, instead I am filled with sadness. I miss you so much! Your friends have sent so many wonderful notes and memories today. You are adored and loved greatly. I am grateful for the memories and the guidance you have shared. I love you and miss you tremendously!

Love always,
Megan

Jane, I gave a recital today and could feel you with me. I miss you! Mozart will never be the same for me without you.

My Dear Sister,

The snow is falling, and times are getting chilly. The magic of winter abounds, and I can't help to think you are creating it.... the sparkle in the snow, the strong gusts of musical wind, the twinkle in Ellery's eyes. I know you must be here, somewhere.... Oh, how my heart aches for you, endlessly aches for one more hug, giggle, piece of loving advice, or even just a wink. I catch myself winking at the most inappropriate times, and think you must be telling me to just lighten things up a little bit. That is what you did, lightened things up in so many ways. You filled us with light... We still need your light.... Let it twinkle. All my love, Mara

We continue to think of "Miss Jane" and will always have a special place in our hearts for her. Matthew's love of music and ability are directly related to our four years with Jane at Sherwood's Music Together classes. Matthew is now taking piano lessons and he often looks to heaven and asks Miss Jane if she likes what he is playing. When Matthew was recently asked by his piano teacher if he could recognize the beat - Matthew proudly replied, "Of course, Miss Jane already taught me that!"
Jane will forever remain an important presence in our lives.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You made our lives better -- Elijah loves the piano and even remarks when he hears the piano, strings, and drums while listening to music. I like to think you are talking to us when he does this.

Our comfort and love to your family as they keep you in their memory now and forever.

Jane. We miss you and think of you often. "We'll make music together again."

Jane, tomorrow is one year. It doesn't seem that long because you are so often in my thoughts and in my heart. I miss you in so many ways - as a teacher, with Bach & Beyond and especially as a friend. You helped me rediscover so many things in life. I thank you always.

almost
a year has gone by and I find myself thinking of Jane at different times...
a beautiful chicago day, tucking my kids in at night, driving down Lake Shore
Drive. My lesson from Jane is you your life to the fullest while sharing
as much love as humanly possible.

I find solace in reading Sark, one of Jane's favorite authors, when memories of Jane flood my thoughts. "Go wandering! Let the world show you the most wild path. Speaking to strangers is an excellent exercise. Use your intuition as guidance and listen to what you hear. Be exposed. Live a wild, vulnerable life. Let us see you, laughing loudly, walking flamboyantly, and wearing colors that don't match. Dress like an angel and walk a tight rope." :) Thank you, Jane, for making my life so rich. I miss you every day. Until we meet again....Kath

We just had another recital of Floyd Thompson's music and I remember fondly that Jane was on the program last year. She worked so hard on her music and wanted it to be especially good for the program. Jane, wherever you are in the great sphere of life after death, you are alwways fondly remembered by your colleagues in music. We love you and learned so much from you!

Hard to believe it's been a year now. Funny that I think of Jane so often since I hadn't seen her since I left Chicago in 1999, but random things keep coming up and bringing her to mind. To Jane's family - she will always be alive to those of us who knew her and shared music and conversation with her.

Dearest Jane,

It's been about a year since God gave you angel wings to join his choir in heaven. I miss you dearly and feel your presence in my life each and every day. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Through God's grace we will never forget the legacy that you have given all of us.

Love and hugs,

Your dear friend Niko

I too, have not stopped thinking about Miss Jane. I feel very fortunate to have known her for 2 years. I came across a picture of my son with her singing in the background in a Music Together class...Tears welled up because my daughter will not experience her joy(17 months old) or the daughter that is in my tummy. But then my tears dried up when I thought about how I could somehow channel Miss Jane for my children-and its through music...I will sing and sing and sing...

Jane~

It will be a year that you were taken to heaven. The Lord must have needed a STAR for his next production. He found the girl with an angels' voice and called you home.
We all miss you and you shall stay in our Hearts until we too,are called home.

Kathy &Joe Wydajewski
Mokena

Well it's hard to believe it will be a year on September 3rd. Friends and family have been so kind. We have updated the website with a recording of Jane. http://janemcdonaldsullivan.org/

Not a day goes by without a thought of Jane. I ask myself "..what would Jane do" when puzzled...:) To Thom, the Sullivans - know that we (all of us Bennies :) think of Jane every day. She's with us as we move on in our lives. It's funny - we each seem to have our Jane moments at similar times...prompting us to call each other. Continued love and prayers. Miss you my friend, Kath

I didnt know my cousine very well but i do remember the summer of 76 we spent together. Jane was a sweet kind hearted person who would give you the shirt off her back without thinking twice. I was shocked and saddened with her passing my hart and condolences go out to her family. Jane may you rest forever in the lords house, until we meet agine. God bless you and the sullivan family.

I was shocked and dismayed today to learn about the loss of Jane. She taught my son at Sherwood until we moved to Indiana. She had the voice of an angel and the spirit to go with it. May she rest in peace and may she live on through our music...

Jane was my friend, my mentor, the one who molded me as a teacher. I miss her everyday.

The world is a better place because it knew Jane.

Let's keep her memory alive through our love for music and each other!

Jane and I went to Roosevelt together, we reconnected at Lyric Opera of Chicago a few years after graduation. And then she introduced my son to her Music Together class at Sherwood. Jane was one of the warmest people I have ever known. After my son's music class we would sit and talk for 15 minutes before her next class. She would tell me the latest story in planning and preparing for the wedding. She was so exicted about getting married to Thom, so excited about this new chapter in her life that offered endless possibilities. She was such a special person and will be deeply missed in so many of our lives. I am so sorry for your loss.....

After being out of voice lessons for the past year because of health problems, I'd been looking forward happily to calling Jane & going back. She'd been my teacher for several years--so encouraging and patient.

Never mind that I was an asthmatic, stage-frightened, frequently absent, fortyish woman who'd never had a voice lesson before in her life. Jane persuaded me that I could sing and learn to sing ever better.

And after each lesson I felt like I was ten feet tall, a wonderful effect she had on just about everyone. I always got a big kick out of chatting with her little students and watching how animated & radiant they got talking--or even if they were too young to really talk!--about "Miss Jane."

Then I heard the news. How sad for everyone who loves & is loved by her, for all the good plans that now will never be. Especially the wedding and the hopes of children. To Thom and all of Jane's loved ones, hope you can find solace in all the happiness you had with her.

I remember telling Jane last year about a friend's sudden improbable death. We talked about how short, fragile, and lovely it is to be alive, how the passage to another life can happen so abruptly--"you can walk outside and get hit by a car." Little any of us knew, and how soon.

We talked also about something we shared as Irish Catholics--the sense that the veil between the living and the dead is very thin, that the dead somehow, mysteriously remain present in this life, sometimes through dreams and nature and "coincidences," sometimes in ways the living don't have a clue are happening right now.

So Jane, I know your wonderful spirit continues, not too far away,and please don't blush to hear all these outpourings of gratitude and praise that are coming your way!

Ms. Jane was one of my daughter's Music Together teachers. We will always remember her and our Saturday mornings in her class.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jane was a dear friend. I worked at Sherwood with her since 1996 and we shared many wonderful and musical times together. We are all thinking of you and your family.

I'm so deeply sad. I remember walking into Ms Jane's classroom at Sherwood 2 years ago. The way she interacted with the children was amazing -- so deeply connected, intimate, loving. And of course with a fabulous sense of humor always. May everyone out there grieving find some sense of peace. We are here for a short time, all of us. Let's enjoy the music while we can. With great love and respect to Jane and all of you reading.

I met Jane on my 1st day at Roosevelt University. She was my RA. I was deeply saddened when I heard this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sullivan family and her loved ones. I will always remember Jane's giving spirit and wonderful concern for others.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jane at Roosevelt University where she was my RA and later my boss. She was a wonderful boss, mentor, and friend - she was always there for me. I'm sending my most sincere condolences to the Sullivan Family and Thom! She's singing with the angels!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jane at Sherwood. My cousin was in her music class. What a beautiful voice that fit a beautiful person. She was wonderful with the children and their families. By coincidence, I work with a fmily member of Janes, Denise Battle-Norris. I know how heartbroken the entire family is. Now Jane's beautiful voice is singing with the angels.

I want to express my sincere sympathy to Thom and Jane's family. I met Jane while in school and she was always a caring and supportive friend. She was one of those people that you felt better after spending time with. She lifted you up and made you feel better about yourself. She was so positive and I was blessed to have met her and be her friend. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Dear Sullivan Family,



I'm sorry this is long delayed but I wanted to express my deepest condolences. I'm very sorry for your loss. Jane was a wonderful person with a beautiful voice. My prayers are with you.



Sincerely,

Delia Sintos

Dear Sullivan Family,



I am so very sorry for your loss. A piece of the world will never be the same - and it was such a beautiful piece.



Jane and I met at St. Ben's through the theatre department. We had so many good times together. My most cherished memory is that Jane gave me voice lessons. Most of my musicly talented friends cringe when I sing, but she had the patience to teach me and, not only that, but to offer supportive and encouraging words. No one can know how much that meant to me. That was one of Jane's most beautiful qualities; that she was amazingly positive. I loved Jane and will miss her terribly. She sang the Ave Maria in my wedding and I will never forget it. Her voice always blew me away.

I worked with Jane at Sherwood for several years, she was my friend and colleague. She threw a baby shower for me in 1999. She was extremely giving and had a heart of gold. I will always remember her smile, her laughter and her friendship. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. God bless. with warmest regards,

Denise Apodaca

My wife, Tracelyn, called me at work today crying. She explained to me that she had just heard what had happened. I was deeply saddened. Even though I only met Jane and spoke with her a couple times myself, at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music, I could instantly tell how warm and sweet a person she was with such an engaging smile. Our prayers are with you, Thom, your family and the Sullivan Family.

I'm so sorry and saddened to hear about Jane's death. I taught with Jane at Sherwood until I moved to Indiana for graduate school seven years ago and considered her a friend as well as a colleague. She was a wonderful musician and a magnificent teacher - she will be missed by us all.

To Jane's family,



I worked with Jane at Sherwood from 1999 to 2003. She was a wonderful friend and colleague, and I enjoyed sitting with her in the office and talking and laughing. I admired her as an artist, as a teacher, and as a friend. I am deeply saddened and sorry for your loss.

I sang with Jane, as a fellow mezzo, in Chicago Symphony Chorus and Lyric Supplimentary Chorus. Jane was always smiling, laughing. She was such a warm, friendly, wonderful person. She was so happy. I never saw her down, ever. She touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with. We will all miss her so much. This is such a tragedy, words cannot express our loss. Heaven has gained an angel.

Noreen,Bill and Family,

Where do I begin to express my deepest sorrow for your loss. There are no words or actions that can do that.

I just wanted you to know that we thought of Jane, as a very loving and giving person.

Again. our deepest condolences to all the family, friends and extended families.



Kathy & Joe

Jane was an amazing teacher. My son, J.P., is 2 now and was in Music Together with Jane. Although he tends to be shy, he would always go and sit on her lap during class. She was a wonderful, warm, energetic, and inspiring lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sullivan family and Thom.



Sheridan Denfeld

I went to grade school with Jane at St. Barnabas and high school at Mother McAuley. As numerous friends, former classmates, colleagues and students have already touched upon, Jane has left an indelible impression upon us all. When I think back to our school days, I remember Jane as kind, compassionate, smart, fun, full-of-laughter, talented, well-liked, diligent, focused and friendly… We will miss Jane – but our many fond memories of her will continue to live with us. I'm so sorry for your loss.



Sincerely,

Dear Sullivan Family,



It is truly hard to comprehend why something so tragic could happen to such an obviously good, loved and cherished person. My heart breaks for your loss; it truly does. It was only last night that I sat at dinner with a friend discussing the shortness of life, and living each day to it's fullest. From reading the entries in this book it sounds as if Jane did just that, and if nothing else, I hope that can give you the smallest bit of peace.



Very sincerely,



Jennifer Fox

Dear Noreen, Bill & Family,

I was so deeply saddened to learn of Jane's death.

I have very fond memories of Jane as a teenager when we were together in so many plays at Bethel.

Although I didn't see her much in past years, it is very obvious from the beautiful tributes written here that she grew into a very loving and well-loved young woman. How proud you all must have been of her and her many accomplishments!

I'm sure she is now with a multitude of angels giving concerts for the Sullivan and Feely families.

May her spirit live on in all those she touched with her love.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless!