Catherine R. Sullivan
March 28, 1936 ~ February 24, 2015
Ms. Catherine R. Sullivan, 78, of Portland, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at her home. Born in Portland on March 28, 1936, Catherine was the daughter of the late John H. and Louise (Hinds) Sullivan. A graduate of St. Josephs Academy and Mount Saint Mary College, Catherine pursued graduate studies at Boston College and the University of Maine where she attained her Masters of Education degree. Catherine was a life-long educator. She touched many lives with her wry wit and brisk intelligence during her 37-year tenure as an English teacher, almost all spent at Westbrook High School where she also served as Chair of the English Department and, in the last years of her career, as Assistant Principal. Committed to the cause of working people, Catherine proudly followed in the footsteps of her late father as a union activist and leader, locally and nationally. She is known as a labor legend among those who worked with her on union matters in Washington, D.C. Catherine was a dynamic leader with the National Education Association, the Maine Teachers Association and the Westbrook Education Association. Catherine served as president of the Maine Teachers Association where she left her mark for her effectiveness and determination as a champion for the rights of teachers. Catherine served as Chief Negotiator and President for the Westbrook Education Association and was on the Board of Directors at the Maine Teachers Association, where she also served terms as Vice President and worked on the State Certification Advisory Committee. In addition to her separate role as a Trustee, Catherine sat on the Executive Committee of MEA-Retired, the Guidance Committee of National Retired Teachers Association, and MEA Benefits Trust. Catherine was appointed by former Governor King to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Maine State Retirement System and served in that position until the end of her life. Catherine also served as on the Board of Trustees for the National Education Association and the Cumberland County Retired Educators Association. Catherine was a dedicated and active, life-long communicant of Sacred Heart Parish serving as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and member of the Parish Council. Catherines greatest achievement was her unwavering and faithful devotion to her family, her friends, and social justice. With a heart larger than her resume, Catherine cared deeply about those less fortunate than herself and actively supported efforts to care for the neediest among us. Catherine had a great sense of humor and especially enjoyed The Portland Symphony, Summer Theater, board games, reading and dining out with her closest friends. In addition to her parents, Catherine was predeceased by her brother, John W. Sullivan, and nephew, John M. Sullivan. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Lou Somers, Anne Ingraham, and Janet McKane, all of Portland. As doting Aunt Kate, she was very proud of and involved with her eight nieces and nephews and nine grandnieces and grandnephews. Visiting Hours are Sunday, March 1, 2015 from 2-6PM in the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited in the Funeral Home on Monday, March 2, at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, 65 Mellen Street, Portland. Interment to follow in New Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To share a memory or online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com Memorial contributions may be made to Preble Street Resource Center, 38 Preble Street, Portland, ME 04101 or the Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Capital Campaign, 307 Congress St.Portland, ME 04101.
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I so enjoyed working with Catherine at MEA-R. She had such a wonderful sense of humor as well as intelligence sprinkled with caring. She will be so missed. Lorraine Mahoney
– Lorraine Mahoney
Deeply sorry for your loss. Her sense of humor was delightfully catagious and I admired her independence. RIP Catherine.
– Kathy Harvey Hutchins
Deeply sorry for your loss. Her sense of humor was delightfully catagious and I admired her independence. RIP Catherine.
– Kathy Harvey Hutchins
An amazing educator, she was full of “piss and vinegar”! A true legend!
– Julie Brown
Ms. Sullivan was a mentor for me when I first started out teaching. I was a substitute for her and the English Dept in 1975 at Westbrook High. She was fun, fair, and firm! I have continued teaching ever since.The students were entertained by the fact that she was Ms. Sullivan but I was Miss Sullivan! And I remember those days fondly with her associates Bob Fish, Sue Julavits, Ann Bonsey, Marty and Marge Hughes, Bonnie… and many more!She will be a big loss for education.
– Vicki Sullivan
Ms. Sullivan was a mentor for me when I first started out teaching. I was a substitute for her and the English Dept in 1975 at Westbrook High. She was fun, fair, and firm! I have continued teaching ever since.The students were entertained by the fact that she was Ms. Sullivan but I was Miss Sullivan! And I remember those days fondly with her associates Bob Fish, Sue Julavits, Ann Bonsey, Marty and Marge Hughes, Bonnie… and many more!She will be a big loss for education.
– Vicki Sullivan
I’m sorry for your loss.Catherine was vice principal at Westbrook high school when I was a student back in 1988.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
– Rev.Raymond York
she was the best who demanded the best. she was my favorite at WHS. well done good and faithful servant
– jim pizzo
Catherine, we went to Sacred Heart School together for eight years. You were the smartest student in our class. How I admired you. Then we went to St Joseph’s Academy and received a wonderful education and also had many happy times with a close group of friends. All through the years our group has stayed close. We were so lucky. I would return to Portland often through the years to meet our group for lunch. I would see you and I felt in my heart that I was “home”. That feeling was precious to me. I will miss you. I know we will meet again someday. love, Louise
– Louise Doherty
I was privileged to be a student of Miss Sullivan. She has left an amazing legacy through her students and labor and faith work. Deepest sympathy to her family.
– Sandra Cort
As a young future educator, I had the joy of meeting Cathy Sullivan when I was still in college. She was President of Westbrook Education Association when I joined. Later, I was able to work with her in Maine Education Association activities. What a loss for Westbrook and all of Maine. I will always remember her kindness, quick whit, and fun loving spirit.
– Judne Dyer
I thought Catherine was one of a kind. I loved her quick wit, friendly sarcasm . We had many conversations when I was a student , and she was a positive influence in my life . I will always remember her.My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
– Mike Mazerall WHS ’64
Cathy, Rest in peace and have some lively discussions with Dave when you see him. I will never forget the trip to Portland, Oregon to see you in the rehabilitation center. You had fallen down at conference , and we happened to be on vacation out there at the same time.Also, we had some good laughs at many conferences and bus trips. I will miss your spirited smile. Martha Pillsbury
– Martha Pillsbury
My sincere condolence for the loss of your sister and my childhood friend.God bless you.
– Rita Bolduc
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Catherine was a woman of great faith and a generous heart. I had the privilege of working with her on projects at Sacred Heat/St. Dominic Parish. Catherine, you have been a good and faithful servant. Rest in the peace of our Risen Lord.
– Jeffrey Huot
Cathy was my first hire as a new Principal and a wonderful choice. She was an excellent teacher, great leader and wonderful friend. I have followed her career with pride in her accomplishments. God bless her and her family.
– Dick Getchell
I am deeply sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing. She was a very devoted woman, and truly lived her beliefs. As a choir singer, I always appreciated looking out and seeing Catherine’s big smile when we were singing her favorites. RIP, Catherine. you have certainly earned the Kingdom.
– Julie Zimont
I had not only the honor but the pleasure of having Ms. Catherine Sullivan as an English teacher during school year 1969. Though miles apart, thought of Ms. Sullivan brought many smiles to my face. God bless.
– Larry Cote
Dear Ms. Sullivan,Oh crap. You’ve left me with tears in my eyes, a swollen heart, and a head full of words. I’d gotten your email address and did not get my letter to you in time. You were the first woman I knew that went by Ms. and I distinctly remembering you telling our English class why! It was shocking to think about language structurally, and enlightening to think about women and language. You set me on a path of studying English and Women’s Studies that continues today. I hope you can hear me thanking you. xx Angela
– Angela Todd, WHS ’82
I am still shaking my head in disbelief. Lady Catherine, you will be missed by us all. I hope you have read the tributes to you (of course you have–silly me). Hats off to you, Cathy. I know St. Patrick will have a green hat for you on his day! I loved your sarcasm, your wry smiles, and raised eyebrow. God bless you, Lady C. Rest in peace. Cheers, Judi
– Judi Libby Hilton, WHS retired
Janet,My sincere condolences on the passing of your sister. I will remember her in my prayers,Ted Borduas
– Ted Borduas
All of our hearts at the Maine Public Employees Retirement System are with you in your loss. Catherine meant so much to each of us for her wonderful service and for just being such a fantastic person. We will miss her deeply.
– Sandy Matheson
May you rest well now. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.
– Jennifer Adams
I had the privilege of working with Catherine while I was assistant principal at Windham High School from 1985-1997. She was always a staunch advocate for her students, and she always encouraged (and prodded) them to be their best. As her colleague, I certainly enjoyed her keen sense of humor. As evidenced by other letters of condolence , she inspired others to follow her footsteps to a career in education. Rest in peace, Catherine–the baton has been passes!
– Bonnie Kam
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed knowing Cathy. She was a generous, kind lady. She was a very close friend of Bob Fish and John Stuart, my brother. I knew her only a short while as a young person and saw her last March while in Maine. I know she will be deeply missed by Bob and his partner, John. I send you my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
– Shawn Stuart Nixon
I was deeply saddened to learn of Catherine’s death. I last spoke to her at Portland Public Library .I was a primary school teacher but knew her from the work she did in our favor and for our benefits. She was also my sister’s HS English teacher……..and my sister Joanne enjoyed her class immensely. She was available to all, students and teachers, and her winning smile was always present. Catherine was larger than life as a person. She will be greatly missed.I consider myself fortunate to have known so accomplished and kind a person.
– Anne Marie Bourassa
I will always remember and cherish the wonderful times we had for the last 50 years. I couldn’t ask for a better friend. I will miss Cathy so much!
– Tom Curran
Ms. Sullivan was my absolute favorite teacher. Just thinking of her brings a smile to my face. You will be missed. Class of 75!!
– Elaine Pratt Brackett
So sorry to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of serving on the MEPERS Board of Trustees with Catherine for the past 8 years. Her knowledge, wit and sense of humor were a wonderful addition to the Board. I will sorely miss my seat mate at future Board meetings. Our thoughts and prayers are with Catherine and the family.
– Dick Metivier
Thank you Ms. Sullivan for your investment in each and every one of our lives. You made English class interesting and never a dull moment in your classroom. Thank you for taking the time to come to our high school reunions. You will be sorely missed. Until we meet again.
– Charlene Carver-Sullivan
How impressive was Catherine Sullivan! She inspired us teachers with her own strong beliefs and moral compass. She lead us in educational excellence through budget freezes and yet more unfunded mandates. She was a kind woman who truly cared about her students and colleagues. It was fun to catch up with her each July at a luncheon we all enjoyed. God bless her friends and family with fond memories of Cathy. She must be ruling the roost in heaven as we mourn her passing.
– Roxanne Wheeler
What I loved about The Miz is that she demanded excellence from us all. Imperfection was ok, but not trying was not ok. She had no tolerance for those who didn’t care, and she told me this in our very first personal conversation. She had set down the law on our first day in class, and given us a writing assignment. The next day, opening class, she said, “Mr. Corey, stay after class,” as she passed me back my paper with an F on it and a scowl I’ll never forget. After class, she sat me down in the empty room and said, “I have no tolerance for people who do not care!” She seemed to scream this at me through her low, gravelly, grumbling roar of a voice, with that piercing stony look in her eyes, her face lowered, as she let me know how deeply offended she was. She thought I had plagiarized my paper. I told her I hadn’t and after questioning me a little more, her scowl turned into a sly and almost conniving-ly warm smile. “Oh my dear, I am so sorry,” she said, chortling, stifling a deep laughter which was rising visibly in her neck. For the years that followed, I was always kept on my toes by her. She taught me about the richness of literature, the sheer beauty and fun of writing, how to read and experience something, anything, and objectively feel through it, connect it to my experience, and decide for myself what I thought about it. She wouldn’t let any of us cite someone else’s ideas, but made us have, and share, our own ideas. She made us figure out what we believe. She never let that which should be corrected pass uncorrected. She was entirely comfortable with calling people on their shit, and especially, again, calling them out if they didn’t seem to care. Her mind was fascinating, rich, and profound. She taught us to know and follow the rules, but then to have the courage, and the conviction, to break them and create a better and more interesting way forward. She gave us the fundamental tools to examine life with a sense of discovery and wonder, and become lifelong learners. She always sent your questions back to you to re-examine, think through them again, and find your way to a better understanding of not only the issue at hand, but of yourself and your place in the world. She taught me to never get too comfortable, and to embrace that which is uncomfortable to learn the story, and the new story unfolding, guided by my own truth. This woman I so deeply adore set not only my mind but my heart and soul on fire. Love, Jim
– Jim Corey
Catherine was an inspiration and an ally in our work together to improve both teaching as a profession and the quality of Maine’s public schools. She will be missed but her impact will not be forgotten.
– Mark Gray
I offer my heartfelt sympathy. I came to know Catherine through our volunteer work for MEA Retired, and I developed a deep respect for her thinking process. Her sense of humor and her confidence spoke volumes about the kind of person she was. She will be missed.
– Jan Varnum
I was blessed to have Ms. Sullivan as a teacher and followed her path to education. There is a new angel in heaven, she is teaching English and wit…how lucky they are…I am so sorry for your loss.
– Therese
Please know – Ms. Sullivan and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers. My mom had her as an English teacher. I remember hearing of Ms. Sullivan – “The Legend” in middle school. I was so scared of her the first time I met her. However, I discovered what a wonderful, kind and caring person she was to us all. She was the best at her job and cared about all her students. I still remember that she came to her student’s wake and funeral. She supported his family at such a devastating time. She was invested in all of us and I can’t even begin to thank her for all she has done. I truly admire Ms. Sullivan. May she be basking in our Lord’s glory.
– Bethany (Kidder) McHugh, WHS ’92
I am so sorry for your loss. Catherine and I worked together on many projects for Sacred Heart St Dominic and I always enjoyed our time together. I will miss her. You and all her family are in our thoughts and prayers.
– Marge Barker
Ms. Sullivan was my English teacher in high school and although I haven’t seen her since then, I will always remember the laughter. She was an amazing teacher and we enjoyed learning with her. My heart is broken for her family as I know they will miss her wit and her kindness. Rest well.
– Jeanne Lebel Niemiec
I am very sorry for your family’s loss,Mrs. Sullivan was a very big part of the Westbrook school system for so many years.She will be missed
– matthew mcgowen
What a wonderful woman! She was a real straight shooter who did “not suffer fools gladly”! Rest in peace, Lady Catherine.
– John Fitzgerald
A force to be reckoned with. She will be sorely missed. Goodbye for now Ms. Sullivan
– Debra A. Bickford
We are so sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing. She taught both of our children at Westbrook High School. She was only an amazing teacher, she was also a wonderful person. Her brother, John and myself were classmates at Cheverus High. May she rest in peace.
– Leo & Anna Lambert
Catherine Sullivan was an inspiration and role model for many in our community. Thank you for you patience, humor, wit and endless energy in providing fair and firm discipline to the students you loved and nurtured. I am so happy to have had you as the classy, happy and intuitive co-worker who showed up to work everyday allowing all to have a clean slate. You never gave up on anyone and often worked magic for students behind the scenes, thanks for your support and caring.
– Audrey Jones
Catherine’s life reflected her deep love for the Faith; her passing leaves a huge void at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic parish. I’ll miss her warm greeting and encouraging words.
– Barbara Briggs
Cathy– how much your support was felt and appreciated when we were WHS students and you were faithfully attending all of our theater shows… Later, when we got to know you better as Cathy (instead of “Ms. Sullivan”) we so loved your dry wit and great humor… It’s been lovely to see you at various events over the years and we will miss you very much now. We raise our glasses to you– a wonderful and smart person with so much kindness to share! xoxo s&k
– Koren & Skip Sullivan
I so enjoyed working with Catherine at MEA-R. She had such a wonderful sense of humor as well as intelligence sprinkled with caring. She will be so missed. Lorraine Mahoney
– Lorraine Mahoney