Sister Thérèse Sullivan, O.C.D.

May 24, 1931 - March 3, 2016

Sister Therese of the Child Jesus was called home to God on Thursday, March 3, at the Rosewood Nursing and Rehab Center in West Peabody, where she received excellent care after a complicated knee surgery. She was born to Cyril and Maurine Sullivan, who came east from Missouri. Sister Therese was among the youngest of 8 children whom she loved dearly (James, John and Cyril, Jr., Patricia Sweeney, Barbara Gray, Mary Bedard and Genevieve Olivier). They lived in Braintree, Mansfield and Dedham, and Sister attended the Notre Dame Academy “in town.” In 1949 she entered the BC School of Nursing and was a member of its first graduating class in 1954. She then taught nursing under the guidance of Mrs. Andrews, an experience she remembered with gratitude. When the opportunity arose to nurse in the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth’s hospital in Colorado, she went west to nurse and ski. It was there that the Lord’s call to her to become a cloistered Carmelite was strengthened. Elizabeth entered the Carmel of St. Therese in Danvers, MA on September 18, 1960 and in May 1961 she was given the name of Sister Therese of the Child Jesus. She was a great community person. Her love of God and neighbor was remarkable, and at different times she was Prioress and Novice Mistress, along with other jobs. Her singing voice was a special joy and was appreciated in both the choir and at recreation. Her phenomenal memory for the many books she read amazed and educated us. Sister is survived by her sister Genevieve of California and 22 nieces and nephews, 36 grand nieces and nephews, and 13 great grand nieces and nephews. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 9 at 10 AM in the Chapel of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 15 Mt. Carmel Rd., Danvers. Burial will follow in the nuns’ cemetery. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 2-7 PM in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sister’s memory to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 15 Mt. Carmel Rd., Danvers, MA 01923.