Jane M. Sullivan

October 09, 1943 - April 21, 2023

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Obituary for Jane M. Sullivan

Jane M. (Downey) Sullivan, 79, passed away in the comfort of her family after a long illness, Friday April 21, 2023. Jane was born in Boston, MA on October 9, 1943 and was the proud daughter of the late George and Kathleen Downey. She is survived by her four children, Matthew (Christine) Sullivan of Milton, Kristin (John) Lombardi of Cohasset, Neal Sullivan of Milton, Molly (Bill) Lavey of Quincy, and her siblings Kathleen (Frank) Kaiser of Yarmouth and George (Gail) Downey of Weymouth. She will forever be cherished and loved by her 11 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and wonderful friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Bob Sullivan (2023). Jane attended Fontbonne Academy where she developed many lifelong friendships, and later graduated from Aquinas College. Jane and her husband, Bob raised their family in Franklin, MA and immersed themselves in the community becoming active members in St. Mary’s Parish. She was socially active and had a great sense of community, always giving and volunteering most notably to Evenings for the Engaged, Friends of Franklin, St. Rocco’s Festival, Rebuilding Together and the All Night Party which Jane established to provide a safe and secure evening for graduating high school seniors. Jane loved to entertain at her home, and indulged her guests with great food, drink and she always made you feel welcome. Her warm but vibrant personality made people around her smile and feel important. Jane’s professional accomplishments spanned many decades as an Executive Assistant most notably at the Boston Five, Jewish Family Adoption Services, and Putnam Investments where she retired from in 2010. Her most meaningful and treasured role was that of mom. She was a devoted mother who was always present in her children’s lives, and she took great pride in her role as grandmother, a.ka. ”Ja”. She shared a special bond with her grandchildren, making each of them feel loved and important. Jane was a strong-willed and determined woman who loved life and was always willing to face adversity head-on. Her strength and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her. Jane will always be remembered for her style, generous nature and her thoughtfulness. Her legacy - a compelling force of genuineness will carry on in her children, grandchildren, and whose lives she touched A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton MA, Monday May 1 at 10:30 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Sunday from 2-5 PM. Donations in Jane’s memory may be sent to Saint Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere St., Boston, MA 02115 (please put Jane’s name on the memo line). https://www.stceciliaboston.org/giving-at-saint-cecilia/

Services

30 Apr

Visiting Hours

02:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
1 May

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
1 May

Interment

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • May 04, 2023

    Jane was always the one with the perpetual smile, kind words or a simple hug. Everything she did came directly from her heart. She will be forever missed. Rest in peace sweet angel. Bunny Stock Fontbonne Classmate "61

  • May 04, 2023

    To Jane's family, I was a classmate of your Mom's at Fontbonne and I have such wonderful memories of her. I am so sorry that I just found out about her passing or I would have paid my respects to you all. Heaven holds all angels and just added Jane! Fondly, Marta Fasano Googins 61'

  • May 01, 2023

    Jane was the first person to introduce the concept of 'making memories' to me. As young children, we'd get together with Jane and Bobby and their kids on the Cape and make memories —beaching, boating, bbq-ing, and a host of other summer fun activities. Her enthusiasm for this was unmatched. I feel blessed to have been touched by her light and ability to make the simplest occasion feel important and meaningful. Thank you Jane for this—we will all do our best to carry this spirit on in our lives!

  • April 30, 2023

    My heart goes out to all of you. Wishing you peace, comfort and strength as you draw on endless loving memories to get you through this incredibly difficult time.

  • April 29, 2023

    Jane Sullivan was beautiful, funny, charming, loved Bobby. I think I first lost my breath at 11 or 12 when Jane visited my sister Mary Jane at our house in Boston. They were friends all their lives, even today, especially today. Since I was a young boy, Jane was a light in a dark sky.

  • April 28, 2023

    Jane brought laughter and happiness to our lives. We will always treasure the time we spent with her (and Bob) ...the moments were always happy and made us look forward to getting together the next time. While we can't do that now, we smile in our hearts whenever we think of the time we had. Our sympathy to the entire family on your loss. With love and respect, Mike and Jean

  • April 28, 2023

    We are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Your parents were wonderful neighbors of ours from Eagle Brook Village. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Dorothy and Paul Donlan

  • April 28, 2023

    One of the sweetest ladies I ever had the privilege to know. Paula Wagner

  • April 26, 2023

    So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mom ❤️

  • April 26, 2023

    There are people we come to know in our lifetimes who are funny, loving, kind, spirited, special...and most of all unforgettable. Jane had all of those gifts. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. ❤️

  • April 25, 2023

    To know Jane was to love her... Rest in Peace beautiful friend! Pete and Dot Steeves