Obituary of Carole Sullivan

Carole Anne Sullivan (nee Nelson), age 83, of Brooklyn, New York, entered into eternal rest on May 7, 2021. She is predeceased by her devoted husband of 49 years, Joseph Sullivan and her loving siblings: Marion Nelson, Doris Meyer (nee Nelson), William Nelson II, and Joan Sondermann (nee Nelson). Carole was the loving mother of Joan Thomas (nee Sullivan), Joseph Sullivan and Thomas Sullivan. She was a loving mother-in-law to Francis Thomas, Vanessa Sullivan (nee Legault) and Jill Sullivan (nee Trombetta). Finally, Carole was a doting and amazing grandmother to Emily Thomas, Francis Thomas, Brooke Sullivan, Olivia Sullivan, Lily Sullivan and Joseph Thomas. This was her most favorite role of all.

Carole was born and raised in Brooklyn New York to the late William Nelson and Lillian Nelson (nee Norstrom). Carole was a Brooklyn girl at heart. She often boasted that she never crossed Flatbush Avenue because she lived her entire life in Marine Park. First on East 34th Street, then in a small apartment on Hendrickson Street and finally in her home on Kimball Street where she and her husband raised their three children. Carole attended PS 207, The Elizabeth G. Leary School. Her three children and two grandchildren also attended this school which made her so happy to have others following in her path. She was a graduate of James Madison High School and left high school with all the skills she needed to be a legal secretary. Carole had a long career as a legal secretary, Her employment included: Cardinal Claims Insurance Company, O'Rourke and Friedman Law Office and work with the General Counsel at the Metropolitan Transit Authority,

Carole retired from the MTA upon the birth of her first grandchild. For years, she spent summer days sitting on her porch and talking to her wonderful neighbors. She enjoyed her block so much that she was out of the house more than she was inside. She also loved snowy days, traveling with her family, day trip getaways to Atlantic City and escaping the city to the tranquil Adirondack Mountains. She had found these mountains when her children were little and through the years, she continued to bring her family to this magical place on the shores of the Great Lake Sacandaga. She and her husband often went to the Brooklyn Cyclones games in Coney Island, hot dogs (or as Carole would say frankfurters) in hand, where they were proud season ticket holders.

Carole's life was full of love and laughter. Family was everything to her. The holidays through the years were models for what she expected of her children when they grew up. She loved to host holidays at her house. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. You could never leave her house on a cold day without being asked if you were warm enough. You also could never leave her house without her saying "Be Careful." At every family gathering, she always made rounds with a disposable camera, capturing every moment of her children's and grandchildren's lives. She was a constant presence at dance recitals, baseball games in Marine Park, school plays and award ceremonies. She was such an important anchor in the lives of her family.

Carole was also a woman of unwavering faith. She was a founding parishioner of St. Columba Church. She trusted firmly in God and prayed the rosary every night. Her and Joe could be found sitting in their pew every Saturday at the 5:00 pm mass. She was an active member of the Youth Council and started the Girls Softball League with some of her friends. She also worked Bingo, participated in the Ladies Guild, and took part in all church functions. Her faith in God and her devotion to her church was one of her most beautiful traits.

Whether she was Mrs. Sullivan Aunt Carole, Mom or Grandma, she wore every one of those titles with immense pride. She loved living and she loved her family. She will be deeply missed and loved forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

Reposing Thursday, May 13 from 2 - 5 and 7 - 9 at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 AM on Friday, May 14 at St. Columba R.C. Church, 2245 Kimball Street, Brooklyn, NY with Fr. Timothy Lambert officiating.

Burial to follow at St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village, Queens.

Please take advantage of the Tribute Wall tab to express your compassion and condolences over Carole's passing.

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