Teresa M. Sullivan

It is with a heavy heart yet a deep sense of celebration that we, the family of Teresa “Terry” M. Sullivan, 82, of Ithaca, New York, announce her peaceful passing on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at OakHill Manor Nursing Home, in the loving company of her husband, William “Bill” P. Sullivan Jr.

Terry was a woman of great determination and success. Born on September 9th, 1941, in Trenton, New Jersey, she was the first-born to the late John and Mary Ryan and Sisters Barbara and Kathy. She attended Saint Mary’s College, where she excelled and graduated with a degree in Art in 1963. She would meet her future husband, William, at Notre Dame through their co-ex program with Saint Mary’s, and they would marry on June 6th, 1964. Teresa’s pursuit of excellence led her to receive a Master’s in Art from Notre Dame in 1966, where she was part of the inaugural women’s class.

Terry’s love for her family was boundless. She and Bill celebrated their diamond anniversary this past June, a testament to their enduring love. Bill still lovingly called her “toots” into their well-lived years. They were graced with six remarkable children: William P., III, John M., Tracy S, Michael P., Christoper B., and Daniel B. With great remorse, Teresa is predeceased by one of her devoted sons, Michael, who we are sure was waiting for her at the heavenly gates with open arms and a hearty smile, glad to see Mom out of pain. Terry’s legacy also includes twelve treasured grandchildren she shared with her husband and spoke with often until her day of death.

Terry loved animals and her family and was a passionate craftswoman and baker. She began working for the family business, Tropical Pets, and later in the bakery for Wegmans. Known for her handmade crafts, she was a regular at the Trumansburg Winterfest for the Handmade Holiday Market and the Ithaca Farmers Market and enjoyed going. Terry would prepare her hand-sewn trinkets, ornaments, and unique new creations for each year that consumers would look forward to seeing. She fostered a relationship with her children and grandchildren, sharing her skills and ensuring her legacy would live on long beyond her. At home, she was often found baking sweet treats for her family, such as apple crisp, butterscotch brownies, or cinnamon bread! She even took the time to make each child and grandchild a personalized Christmas stocking. Terry’s love for animals extended beyond typical household pets; in the mid-90s, she began to breed and show Persian cats, starting a cat named Rudy after her favorite movie. Involved with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), she spent significant time tending to and caring for her kittens, assessing their traits for show ability and preparing them for potential new homes. She was always happy to share her knowledge of Persians and breeding with anyone who would inquire, for those who knew her knew that her cats made her glow. It was one of Teresa’s most significant accomplishments and made her happiest. Additionally, Terry was lucky enough to have a Grand Champion Persian cat, Joshua, who held a special place in her heart. She was enriched by sharing her life, memories, and animals with her family.

Teresa is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, William P. Sullivan Jr. of Ithaca, New York, her loving Daughter Tracy Goodrich (Gregory) of Ithaca, New York, her protective four sons, William III (Michelle), of Illinois, John, of New York, Christopher (Kristina), of New York and Daniel (Katie), of Tennessee, and her twelve grandchildren Caroline, Shayla, Gabrielle, Erik, Brendan, Lia, Taylor, Kylie, Evan, Noah, Brady, and Sydney. As well as her sister-in-law, Mary Sullivan-Ryan, brother-in-law, Richard (Karen) Sullivan, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Terry’s passing was preceded by her dear beloved son, Michael Sullivan; her parents, John and Mary Ryan; Sisters, Barbara and Kathy; her husband’s parents, William and Theora Sullivan; Sister-in-Law Cecilia, Sullivan; and Brother-in-law, William Ryan.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 18th, 2024, from 3-5 pm at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St., Ithaca, New York.  A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, August 19th, 2024, at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva St., Ithaca, New York. The committal will be held immediately after the funeral service at Calvary Cemetery, 636 5 Mile Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Tompkins County SPCA and/or consider a donation of either time (or monetary) to your local nursing home, as they are in desperate need of hands-on board and are always looking for voluntary help. We are deeply grateful for your support during this difficult time.