Rose Sullivan Obituary

Sullivan, Rose Rita

July 21, 1923 – January 19, 2026

Rose Rita E. Sullivan (née McMahon) passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102. She is now reunited with Tim, her beloved husband of 64 years. She was also predeceased by her parents, Frank and Mary McMahon; her brother, Frank; and her granddaughter, Anne Sullivan.

A devoted matriarch whose life was defined by her faith, family, and a quiet (not really) strength, she leaves behind a large and loving family: her four children - Tim Jr. (Pat), Colleen Coulas (Jim), Kevin (Jo Anne), and Maureen Huddleston (Tom) - as well as 17 grandchildren, 21 greatgrandchildren, and a greatgreatgrandson.

Rita was born on July 21, 1923, in Chicago. She graduated from St. Mary's High School, where she excelled academically and was active in many school activities. After graduation, she began her professional life at UARCO as a bookkeeper - the first of many challenging roles in which she thrived.

Rita and Tim made their home in Evergreen Park for more than two decades, where they were devoted parishioners at St. Bernadette. Rita immersed herself in parish life, especially through the Altar & Rosary Society.

During that time, she worked several years at Little Company of Mary Hospital. She began as a secretary in the pathology lab and, through talent and determination, advanced to the personnel department, ultimately becoming Director of Volunteers. It was in that role - one that perfectly matched her energy, empathy, and organizational skill - that she was nominated for LCMH Employee of the Year.

In 1976, the family relocated to the Boston area when Tim was promoted to the home office of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. True to form, Rita treated the move not as a disruption but as an opportunity. Always a high achiever, she earned her real estate broker license soon after settling in Wellesley, Mass., launching a new career built on her remarkable relationship skills.

In 1983, Tim and Rita returned to Chicagoland, settling in suburban Willowbrook. Never one to slow down, she took a part-time role with the Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau, registering attendees at major conventions at McCormick Place. It didn't take long for her talent and enthusiasm to stand out: she was soon promoted to supervisor and, in classic Rita fashion, recruited Tim to join her. The two of them worked side by side, turning what began as a job into yet another shared adventure.

In 1990, they began spending winters in Naples, Florida, at their beloved Glades Country Club. Rita quickly became involved in their community, serving on the board of directors and taking on multiple roles in the golf association. Eventually, they made Naples their fulltime home, where her love of entertaining - and a good party - joyfully reached new heights. Her commitment to service continued as she volunteered countless hours with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and always looked after neighbors in need.

In 2021, after several years of summering in Chicago, Rita returned fulltime to the Southside, settling in Beverly and becoming a cherished member of the Christ the King community. It was a homecoming that brought her great comfort and connection in her later years.

Though she often joked that she owed her longevity to "martinis, Manhattans, and melatonin," staying active was the real source of her boundless energy. A lifelong learner, she embraced continuing education and, as far back as the '90s, served as the unofficial computer help desk for family, friends, and neighbors decades younger.

She was an avid bridge player and an accomplished seamstress who not only made clothes for herself, Colleen, and Maureen, but also sewed the drapes for their home in Evergreen Park and their condo in Naples. She played golf well into her 90s and remained a devoted book club participant at age 100 - a testament to her curiosity, discipline, and unmistakable zest for life.

Simply put, Rita was a force. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the communities she enriched, and the countless lives brightened by her presence. For her family, she was a source of joy, wisdom, and unconditional love - gifts they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on January 24 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 9235 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago, preceded by visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (bvmsisters.org) or Christ the King School (school.ckchicago.org).

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