God Bless Uncle Bob

Dear Hearts,

December 30th is the 12th anniversary of the death of our third patriarch (since we have been in the New World), Robert Mitchel Sullivan, born December 2, 1928, and died December 30, 2007.

He is the husband of Darlene Shajin Silva Sullivan, the son of John Jeremiah (Lefty, our first patriarch in America) and Anna Conick Sullivan. He is brother of James Patrick Sullivan, Sr. (Big Sully, our second patriarch), Sister Anna Rita Sullivan, Order of Preachers (Dominicans), and Sister Margaret Sullivan, Order of Preachers.

He is father of John, Jim, Bobby, Paul, Tim, Mike, Mary, Margaret, Ella and Peter, and the grandfather of 50+ and great grandfather to 2!

Uncle Bob and Aunt Darlene lived one of the great love stories with forty years of marriage, a shining example to all of us. Individually and together, they brought to life the phrase, "There's always room for more!" In other words, all were welcome in their lives, their hearts and their home. Back in the mid 1970s, Uncle Bob scooped up three of us Sullivans from So Cal and brought us along with his own large bunch on a camping trip to Baja, Mexico!

He had the best voice--so kind and sure, and kept us riveted with his wonderful storytelling. But like his brother, my dad, when an injustice had occurred--look out! That voice was strong and sure.

We are so fortunate to have had him for those many years and his advice and influence lives on through his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. I know my parenting efforts are greatly informed by Uncle Bob and Aunt Darlene.

Thank you, Almighty God, for Bob Sullivan, husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, priest, warrior, counselor, and faithful servant of The Living God.

Uncle Bob's Legacy!

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Francesca!

Dear Hearts,

December 27th is the birthday of Francesca Mary Hanjani: daughter of Maggie and Kameron; sister of Inez; niece, cousin and friend of scores more folks.

Her gorgeous black curly hair is long and her spirit is strong. Lala, as she is called, flits about her world like a sweet little woodland nymph, but will also become a beautifully fierce ogre if her baby sister, mama or dada are threatened.

She is the fourth Frances carrying the name, along with Boom Boom, Mary Fran, Frannie Ella, and then there are also Claire Marie Frances, and James Patrick Francis Sullivan, and Johanna Frances Clark, and Margaret Frances Sullivan, and Great-great-great grandmother Wanda Frances Zinn, and of course, Tereas, Dave and Camden Francis. And the Holy Father!

Welcome to your sixth trip around the calendar, and may you have 120 more healthy birthdays, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Merry Christmas!

Dear Hearts,

A Christmas message from our patriarch:

Merry Christmas to everyone in the world and especially this, our beloved group of family and friends, bonded together by blood, marriage, friendship, shared hardships and victories, but most of all, deep love and admiration, affection and affinity, respect and admiration.

We have new little babies this year, the first year of their life. In that sense we and they are in union with Jesus. And Happy Birthday to Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. And Happy Birthday to the return of the sun, and the lengthening of the days, and the upsweep of Hope in our hearts.

And let us remember and revere all of our old ones who went ahead of us, who loved us, who lived for us, and who gave us life and are gone. And let us remember the fallen, and hold them in our hearts. Especially those who never had much chance to enjoy this beautiful life, who may have been only 18 or 19, or any age, who have fallen on beaches and frozen outposts and in rice paddies all over the world.

And also, there is a special type of person who serves tonight and tomorrow and the next night, while we rejoice and celebrate. They are the real soldiers. They are the ones who must keep the flag up and the fire tended, and must protect and help those who need it at all hours.

My daughter Francie's and Diane Lee's and cousin Teresa Francis’s and sister Anne Daly’s colleagues, the nurses, will be up and out at 0330 hours Christmas day, because their patients at the hospital don't stop being sick.

Francie just called me and had to bow out of our festivities tonight because they are swamped at the hospital, and she has to work the double shift. Please pray for her and her patients tonight.

My son Doctor Mickey have to go if they are called, and they are on call. Same with our cousin, Dr. Seamus Sullivan. And also, the police and the firemen, and most of all, our beloved troops, are out on the line for us. So, let's pray for those who serve tonight, like the first responders and the troops--and give thanks to all those out on the outposts.

Soldiers, that's what I think all of these public servants of ours really are, and I attach the prayer here, to St. Michael, and for them. St. Michael the Archangel is the Patron of Paratroopers. Whitey once gave me a medallion of St. Michael the Paratrooper to wear on my dog tags, and I'm looking at them right now.

We all can stand easy because of these servants of humanity.

On this vigil of Christmas, I think of what our beloved grandfather Boompa always would pray, about the poor and hungry and homeless, and about his big circle of family and friends, and I offer up this prayer in Boompa’s place, for us, our families, and all our loved ones:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner. Please, God, spread your care over the poor, cold, hungry and lonely, those sick or imprisoned or without home or shelter.

Please , God, take care of John, ease his pain, and grant us all the miracle we hope for as we seek your Holy Will.

Please, God, bring home all our troops safe, and all the troops of all the peoples of all the world, safe, even the enemy.

Thank you, God for all we have, life and love and opportunity. Thank you, God for the new little babies you have sent us.

Thank you for all our beloved dead of the family, and for all our fallen troops over all the years. Hold us all in Your Big Hand and close to Your Sacred Heart.

Amen.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Merry Christmas.

Love,
Seamus the Older

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

PATRON SAINT OF PARATROOPERS AND SOLDIERS

St. Michael the Archangel, Defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the malice and snares of the enemy.

Restrain them, O God, we humbly beseech Thee,

And do thou, Prince of the Heavenly Host,

By the Divine Power,

Thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil souls

Who prowl about the earth,

Seeking the ruin and destruction of souls.

Amen

Prayers Answered But Don't Let Up!

Dear Hearts,

This just in from Jim's West Point classmate who requested our spiritual support on behalf of his son, Douglas, who has been living with kidney disease for 20+ years. Proof that our prayers are carrying others through tough times:

Now please pass this good news onto your Dear Hearts: Their prayers were answered! We just found out that Douglas is scheduled to get a new kidney on January 12th; you can bet that we are gonna have a blow out Christmas celebration. It is going to be a complicated chain of exchanges: eight people, eight surgeries, and four exchanges of kidneys. So the transplant team says to understand that there are a lot of moving parts, and lots of things can get it the way. If one person comes down with even an ear infection, or chickens out at the last minute, or (worse) tests positive for Covid, then everything stops and they regroup. But the process is firmly in place, and unless something goes wrong, then Douglas will have a new kidney in a few weeks. God is so good, and we are so grateful. Thanks, Sully, for your prayers and support, and thank those Dear Hearts for us.

Merry Christmas!

Skip

Skip also requests that we continue to pray for a successful outcome.

Never doubt the power of prayer and how we can carry others when they are too weak, afraid, overwhelmed or sick to carry themselves. I am proud to be part of this Dear Hearts gang.

Much Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Callum!

Dear Hearts,

Callum and Ewan in Flagstoff

December 21st is the birthday of Callum James Sullivan: son of Paul and Stephanie; brother of Hannah, Jack, Emma, Liam and Ewan; grandson of Bob, Darlene, Robbie and Jill; cousin, nephew and friend to dozens more.

In his seventh grade year, Callum works hard in the classroom, as well as whatever sport field or court he enters. He has loads of athletic talent playing flag football, basketball and soccer, as well as swimming and hiking. Callum has no idea how darn handsome he is, which will make him even more the object of many girls' affection! 

Happy Birthday, Callum. May you have 112 more healthy ones by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Jim III!

Dear Hearts,

December 20th is the birthday of James Patrick Francis Sullivan III: son of Jim and Nancy; brother of Mick, Amos, Miles and Franny; nephew, cousin and friend to scores of us. I was just four years old when his arrival made me an auntie!

Jim is working as a sales representative in the thermoplastics industry and has become a talented and hard-working tradesman in his spare time.

Jim the Third, as I've called him my entire life, is an intelligent, articulate and hilarious man who always makes me think a bit harder and ask a few more questions, no matter what topic we may be discussing. He's a wonderful listener and I find his frank communication refreshing.

So, happy birthday, Jim the Third, and may you have 74 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

God Bless Bud

Dear Hearts,

December 20th is the 101st anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allen Cusick, Bitsy's Dad, known to the Calumet Region, where he lived and died, as Bud. He started and ran the famous Budd Auto Body, still in business, run by his son, Brian Bud Cusick.

Bud served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, like Big Sully, and taught tail gunners on bombers. He was a wonderful man and a fine husband and father, and Bitsy loves him so. He had a special place in his heart for her, and has come to her in dream since his passing, to tell her how he loves her.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Violet!

Dear Hearts,

December 19th is the birthday of Violet Sands Sullivan: daughter of Lindsay and Michael; sister of Evangeline; granddaughter of John and Nancy and David and Lee; niece, cousin and friend to many more lucky folks.

As Violet grows older, her beautiful imagination is blossoming with creative stories and wonderful images. She--along with her sister, mom and dad--loves to cook, draw, play and is always up for whatever adventure presents itself. Today Violet is enjoying a magical unicorn birthday with cheese pizza and a unicorn cake!

So happy birthday, Violet, and may you have 118 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Isaac!

Dear Hearts,

December 18th is the birthday of Isaac Miles Whalen: son of Sean, grandson of Christian and Moira; nephew of Nicholas, Connor and Morgan; cousin and friend to many more. He is celebrating his 11th birthday!

Happy Birthday Isaac, and may you have 114 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Marcos & Roman!

Dear Hearts,

December 14th is the birthday of Marcos and Román Sullivan Jiménez: twin sons of Amos and Sara; brothers of Carmen; grandsons of Jim, Bitsy, Nancy and his Spanish grandparents in Badajoz; nephews, cousins and buddies to many more.

These two clearly love spending time in the great outdoors, hiking, running, swimming and more, and are sure to lead their little sister in some fun discoveries along the way.

Papa Sully calls them Speedy and Tuffy and is completely smitten with them. Happy birthday Marcos and Román, and may you have 119 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Longevity Aspiration Protocol of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Molly!

Dear Hearts,

December 14th is the birthday of Molly Clevenger Russell: daughter of Mercy and Hal; sister to Claire; wife of Daniel; niece, cousin and friend to a whole bunch of us. She states that when she grows up, she wants to make people smile. And she does that in so many ways!

Molly is a free-lance graphic designer and illustrator who creates impressive work on her own and for an agency. She's also always open to collaborating with others.  Take a quick glimpse of her design work here.  And if you've recently enjoyed a can of Sincere Cider, you've held Molly's design in your hands!

She and Daniel have settled in their new home in Missoula, Montana, and have collaborated on their biggest, most wonderful project yet--Baby Russell is due in late January 2022! The two have set up a beautiful home and are both enjoying work and life in Big Sky Country.

So happy birthday, Molly, and may you have 92 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Margaret!

Dear Hearts,

December 12th is the birthday of Margaret Glick: daughter of Jim and Mary Claire; sister of Jim, Mary Fran, John, Mike, Matt, Anne, Jerry and Patty; wife of Brian; mother of Daniel and Elizabeth; Gigi (grandmother) to Levi, Amos, Maggie and Holden; aunt, niece, cousin and friend to hundreds more. Margaret is lucky to share this day with Our Lady of Guadalupe and Frank Sinatra. What a trio, eh? 

With her four grandkids living just a few miles away, Margaret rarely goes a day without seeing one or all of them, whether just a fun visit or a regular babysitting shift. She's sharing her talents with the students of Mt. Baldy School, teaching music and storytelling. It's nice for everyone to be together again on campus. She and Brian explore the West in their motorhome and were very happy to fly to Hawaii last month for a week's vacation.

Margy, Migs, Midge, Ada, Gigi, Jeej--she'll answer to all the nicknames given through the years with a smile. Her artistry continues to decorate her life, whether she is painting, cooking, teaching, decorating or gardening. Margaret has discovered the world of Peleton, so combining that activity with regular hikes and yoga makes her a fit and youthful grandma!

Happy Birthday, Midge, may you have 67 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Anticipation of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Pidge

Below are Margaret Catherine and Margaret Poppy sharing a Thanksgiving treat! I apologize if the video doesn't come through well. Not sure about this feature.

Happy Birthday, Margaret!

Dear Hearts,

December 11th is the birthday of Margaret Lewis: daughter of Bob and Darlene; sister of John, Jim, Bobby, Paul, Tim, Mike, Mary, Ella and Peter; wife of Paul; mom of Ella, Paul Jr., Robert, William and Timothy; auntie, cousin and friend to scores others.

Margaret is refreshingly kind and honest--I've always left a conversation with her feeling happy and enlightened. She has as many hilarious stories of childhood as the rest of her siblings and takes parenting her brood in impressive stride--she offers no drama, holds high expectations, requires everyone to pitch in and sprinkles it all with great humor.

She is smart, athletic, loyal and hardworking, managing much of one of Arizona's most successful bar/restaurants in Scottsdale. She recently found Guy Fieri standing behind the bar next to her taking her instruction! Back at home, Margaret remembers to less fortunate, provides for those in need and lives as a true servant to God and her family.

Happy Birthday, Margaret, and may you have 80 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

O Mary, our Immaculate Mother,

On your feast day I come to you,
And I come not alone:
I bring with me all those with whom your Son entrusted to me,
In this city of Rome and in the entire world,
That you may bless them and preserve them from harm.

I bring to you, Mother, children,
Especially those who are alone, abandoned,
And for this reason are tricked and exploited.

I bring to you, Mother, families,
Who carry forward life and society
With their daily and hidden efforts;
In a special way the families who struggle the most
For their many internal and external problems.

I bring to you, Mother, all workers, both men and women,
And I entrust to you especially those who, out of need,
Are forced to work in an unworthy profession
And those who have lost work or are unable to find it.

We are in need of your immaculate gaze,
To rediscover the ability to look upon persons and things
With respect and awareness,
Without egotistical or hypocritical interests.

We are in need of your immaculate heart,
To love freely,
Without secondary aims but seeking the good of the other,
With simplicity and sincerity, renouncing masks and tricks.

We are in need of your immaculate hands,
To caress with tenderness,
To touch the flesh of Jesus
In our poor, sick, or despised brethren,
To raise up those who have fallen and support those who waver.

We are in need of your immaculate feet,
To go toward those who know not how to make the first step,
To walk on the paths of those who are lost,
To find those who feel alone.

We thank you, O Mother, because in showing yourself to us
You free us of all stain of sin;
You remind us that what comes first is the grace of God,
The love of Jesus Christ who gave his life for us,
The strength of the Holy Spirit which renews all things.

Let us not give in to discouragement,
But, trusting in your constant help,
Let us engage ourselves fully in renewal of self,
Of this city and of the entire world.
Pray for us, Holy Mother of God!

God Bless Uncle Bob

Dear Hearts,

December 6th is the 93rd anniversary of the birth of Robert Mitchel Sullivan: son of Lefty and Anna; brother of James Patrick, Sr. (Big Sully), Anna Rita and Margaret (Sister Joanne Marie and Sister James Timothy); husband of Darlene; father of John, Jim, Bobby, Paul, Mike, Tim, Sr. John Mary, Margaret, Ella and Peter; grandfather of 50ish; spiritual grandfather, godfather, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and mentor to hundreds more.

Uncle Bob was born in Chicago in 1928. He was ordained a Dominican priest and took the name Father Timothy Sullivan, O.P. Father Tim, after his great-grandfather. When he went to see Pope Paul VI, who released him from his vows and blessed his entry into the laity, we didn't know a thing about it, until much later. His vocation as a husband and father was strong and fruitful having been married to Aunt Darlene for 39 years and raising ten children. Indeed, they have shown the world, their children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, friends and neighbors, the very model of married life, and social justice, love and decency.

He taught Philosophy at Phoenix College for 38 years and spoke English, Spanish, Latin and Greek. He would get such a kick out of so many of his grandkids going to the same grade school he and Aunt Darlene sent their children, St. Gregory Catholic School in Phoenix.

Several years ago, my family and I visited Phoenix. We all had dinner at Margaret's house and I fondly recall sitting at the table after dinner with Uncle Bob, listening as he went down the line, updating us on his children. When he finished, I asked, "Okay, Uncle Bob, how do Andy and I do that?" referring to the beautiful success, spiritually and otherwise, of each his nine living adult children. "The kitchen table," he answered, tapping his finger on the table between us. He explained this is where we eat, we talk, we argue, we laugh, we plan, we pray, we cry--as a family. In other words, we're in this together, in all things in life.

He was full of love, brimming with affection, a joyous man, an emotional and passionate man. He was good to everybody. Years ago, at Lefty's wake Jim recalls that Uncle Bob taught him that we never die, because we love each other and love never, never, never dies. A truly profound idea that he could make so many understand.

Uncle Bob passed away at age 79 in Phoenix, just as his grandson, another John Jeremiah (Peter and Melody's son) was entering the world. We were blessed to have him for those 79 years, and we all miss him immensely.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Bob. Please watch over us, with all the Ancestors. God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

P.S. As the oldest of Big Sully's children, Jim had the most number of years on earth with the generation above us and has beautiful memories of time spent together and stories told to family:

When I was little, I got to spend two weeks at the Dominican retreat camp with Uncle Bob, in Menominee, Michigan. Every day we would walk from the retreat house to the mess hall, a half-mile through the woods. He would tell me we were in the Bear's House, and it was the scariest, the funnest and the wildest event of my life up to that date. That Bear was always right around the corner. Bob would stop, real dramatic, hold up his hand and say, "Shh! What was that? I think it was The Bear! Then there would be a pause and he'd say, "Nah. No Bear." I'd go "Whew" and thank my stars. It was unbelievably fun. Then we'd run like hell the rest of the way.

When he went down to Bolivia to serve as chaplain to the Catholic underground fighting the Communists in the University at Cochabamba, we didn't know how much danger he was in. He fought several pitched battles in the Plaza mayor. He originally went into battle ( and this was old school infantry combat, with a few scattered fire arms, but mostly knives and sticks, rocks and bottles, fists and teeth) to lend spiritual support, holding the crucifix, tending the wounded, giving the last rites. But more than once they were over-run and he had to engage, so he pitched in with the troops.

As the Dominican priest in charge of the Newman cell, he taught all the time, and was leading a walk in the outskirts of the town, when his group witnessed a brief and fierce firefight between a group of foreign, Spanish speakers who sided with the Communist forces, and some men who looked and spoke Spanish, but smelled like American tooth paste and shaving cream, and arrived in a helicopter. These Norteamericanos killed the Communists and took their bodies out on choppers. Years later, we found out that the bodies were the Cubans, and among them was Guevara.

Big Sully got a cryptic note from a messenger who came to our house, from Bob, asking for 400 dollars to be given to the messenger. Big Sully did so at once. Again, years later, we found that Bob had been driving the Archbishops truck with supplies, had been ambushed and the truck destroyed. That was it for the Catholics' transport. So the $400 got them new transportation capability to wage the war. They ultimately won and freedom of religion was established in the university.

Happy Birthday, Nathaniel!

Dear Hearts,

December 4th is the birthday of Nathaniel Russell Brogdon: son of Russ and Dagne; brother of Matthew; grandson of Larry (Whitey) and Signe White; nephew, cousin and friend to many more.

Nathaniel looks a lot like his brother and the Old War Horse, Whitey. He has a lot of fun with his mom, dad and brother, taking trips to the beach, celebrating together on holidays and hanging around at home.

Happy birthday, little Nate, and may you have 118 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Sr. John Mary!

Dear Hearts,

December 1st is the birthday of Mary Teofila Sullivan, Sister John Mary, F.S.E. (Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist): daughter of Darlene and Bob Sullivan, sister of John, Jim, Bobby, Paul, Tim, Mike, Margaret, Ella and Peter, auntie, cousin and friend to all the rest of us.

Sr. John Mary is a licensed marriage and family counselor working as the Associate Director of Ministries & Outreach for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. You can find her working in a multitude of environments--live conferences and virtual presentations--and always bringing a refreshing perspective and deep understanding of the topics at hand.

She is also part of an initiative in the archdiocese called Behold--a team of talented professionals who have created a place to ask questions, connect with others and discover more of God through events, workshops and tools. You can read more about Sr. John Mary at this link and listen to an episode of a podcast in which she is a guest.

Happy birthday, beloved cousin, and may you have 79 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Dear Hearts,

November 30th is the birthday of Andrew William Bornhop, Jr.: son of Patty and Andy; brother of John and Thomas; nephew, cousin and friend to many.

Andrew continues working and living in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, not far from his cousin Georgia! He is very glad to return to his in-person work as an Executive Customer Representative for Merck. (Can you tell he recently gave me his business card?) His office is his car as he visits clinics throughout the county. On some days, when his work takes him closer to the border, he gets text notifications welcoming him to Mexico!

He's been playing more of his classical guitar these days and is learning so much of this style of music. He and Thomas play music together quite a bit lately. He's still a serious Packers fan and has become accustomed to the jabs and loaded comments thrown around by Matt and Jerry. Andrew is a loving, intelligent and loyal man with one of the best senses of humor I've ever known.

So, on this Feast of St. Andrew, happy birthday, Little A, and may you have 98 more healthy ones, by Aunt Joannie Sullivan's Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Mom

Happy Birthday, Katie O!

Dear Hearts,

November 29th is the birthday of Katherine Olivia Sullivan Huffman: daughter of Joan and Mike; sister of John; wife of Ryan; mother of Caroline, Gracie and June; cousin, niece and friend to many more lucky folks.

Kate continues her work in education, enjoying a new position in Southern California as a Teacher On Assignment/Curriculum Support Specialist.

At home, she and Ryan have created a creative and comfy home where they all enjoy baking, scootering, gardening, painting, reading and dancing through their days. As the photo indicates, humor is a constant in Kate's life, as well as love, patience and kindness.

Happy Birthday, Katie O., and may you have 87 more healthy ones, by your own mother's, (Aunt Joannie Sullivan's), Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Oscar!

Dear Hearts,

November 24th is the birthday of Oscar Beare Sullivan: son of Mick and Mary; brother of Beatrice and Georgia; grandson of Jim, Bitsy, Nancy, George and Ellie; cousin, nephew and friend to many more. Oscar's name in Gaelic means "friend of the deer."

In his eighth grade year, Oscar continues to work hard and realize success on the track, in the classroom and through his hobbies. In seventh grade he was awarded academic honors in four classes--literature/composition, algebra, science and social studies, and this year he's on track to do the same if not better.

His cross country season saw him competing in the two-mile race recording a time of 13:57. Oscar rounds out his studies and athletics with music, gardening and being a wonderful big brother and son.

Happy Birthday, Oscar and may you have 110 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Maeve!

Dear Hearts,

November 21st is the birthday of Maeve Rosemary Sullivan: daughter of Miles and Sarah; sister of James and Silas; granddaughter of Jim, Bitsy, Nancy, Sam and Rosemary; niece, cousin and friend to loads more fortunate folks. As Uncle Bob would say, her face is the map of Ireland.

She was a terrific production manager when her daddy sat down to livestream his beautiful music during the pandemic. Maeve is thriving in homeschooling with her mom as teacher and this sweet little student is cruising through lessons well above most kids her age. Smart as a whip!

A perfect blend of her mother and father, Maeve is a dutiful and loving big sister. She's amazingly articulate and creative and her sense of humor is wonderful!

Happy Birthday, Maeve Rosemary, and may you have 117 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Jack!

Dear Hearts,

November 20th is the birthday of Jack Falconer Sullivan: the son of Paul and Stephanie; brother of Hannah, Emma, Liam, Callum and Ewan; grandson of Bob, Darlene, Robbie and Jill; cousin, nephew, teammate and friend to many more lucky people.

Jack is a freshman at the University of Dallas, having joined seven Sullivan cousins and his sister at the school. His summer was made more memorable by making a top-to-bottom 18-mile trek through the Zion Narrows with his parents are several other friends and family members.

Paul and Stephanie and Jack's younger siblings are missing him and hopefully Jack is coming home for the holidays soon and will fall right back into the fold.

Happy Birthday, Jack, and may you have 106 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Kate!

Dear Hearts,

November 20th is the birthday of Katherine Honore Merwin: daughter of Mary Fran and Gary; mother of Ava and Henry; sister of Joe, Luke and Maggie; wife of Will Babbington; step mom to Emma and Mia; niece, cousin and friend to many more folks.

Kate continues to nurture, entertain, enjoy and work for her beautiful family in Minneapolis. Covid has made things very challenging with Will being in Colorado primarily, but you'd never know it. We see continued togetherness, support, love and goofiness among Kate, Will and all the kids. Indeed, they share a beautiful life, always arranging time for each other, and keeping their children as top priority.

At work, Kate is a Principal of Internal Global Communications at Medtronic, working in corporate communications in the health and wellness sector. Ahh, wellness. Are you familiar with the Danish phrase, "hygge?" It is the creation of a warm, cozy atmosphere with all things and people who are good and dear. Well, Kate has just about perfected the practice with her beautiful, comfortable and welcoming home. The apple really doesn't fall from the tree.😉

Happy Birthday, my Kate, and may you have 81 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

God Bless Norbert

Dear Hearts,

November 19th is the anniversary of the birth of Norbert Felix Wilkoshesky: son of Alfred and Wanda; and brother of Alfred, Carl, Eugene, Irwin, Stewart and Blanche.  In July of 1919, he legally changed his name to Norbert F. Wiley.

Norbert was the first child of Snaz and Wanda, born in 1896 at 806 West 50th Street and baptized just ten days later at St. Joseph Polish Catholic Church at 48th and Paulina Streets. He received his first communion and was confirmed at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Bohemian Catholic Church.

He married Anna in 1925 and died on November 6, 1964. Family records list two words as his cause of death: heart and ulcers. He is buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Chicago. 

God bless you, Norbert. We pray you are enjoying a blissful eternity with our ancestors.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

God Bless Nanny

Dear Hearts,

November 19th is the 145th anniversary of the birth of our great grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and great-great-great grandmother, Katherine Honore Moloney Sheehan, known as Nanny. She was born in Lisluinaghan, Kilkee, County Clare in 1876, and died in Chicago on February 24th, 1948 at the age of 71.

It is Nanny who gave us the phrase, "God bless us and save us and keep us from harm." And I'm sure our collective obsession with table linens, curtains and porcelain china come through Boom, Helen and Mary Claire from Nanny.

Happy birthday to our dear great-grandmother, Katherine Honore Moloney Sheehan, our Nanny. Please watch over us until we meet again.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty



From Jim, because his research and memories are too rich:

The mitochondrial DNA we know about goes from Mary Murray Fitzgerald to Mary Fitzgerald Moloney to Catherine Moloney Sheehan to Marie Frances Sheehan Wiley to Mary Clare Wiley Sullivan to Mary Frances Sullivan Merwin to Catherine Honore Merwin Hareid to Ava Noelle Hareid. Nine generations! All the sons get it, but can not pass it on, because it is in the egg.

Nanny was born to Mary Fitzgerald Moloney and James William Moloney, on the Moloney farm in County Clare, in the townland of Lisluinaghan, outside the town of Kilkee, on the west coast of Ireland.The Catholic parish is St. Sennen's, the administrative parish is Kilfearagh. In the old days, the barony was Moyarta, and the Poor Law Union was Kilrush.

This land is known as the Corca Baiscinn Peninsula, it is of ancient Spanish heritage, the most westerly part of Ireland. It is dramatically haunted by many spirits, including the Cailin Baen (Colleen Bawn, the Fair-skinned Girl) who was drowned right off the coast. The beach at Kilkee is one of the most popular resort beaches in Europe, with its sheltered cove and its diving pools, the famed "pollock holes."

She was born on a little, 10 acre farm, filled now with only Alfie Marinan's cows, a tumbled down, or "knocked" milking shed made of flat fieldstones, and an ancient "lios" (lish), meaning a ring of compacted earth, fieldstone, bramble and wind-blown seeded heather, where the people would shelter the herd in a storm, or withdraw to in defense against the Viking raids.

I crawled in there--it's about as big as 1/2 a basketball court, completely overgrown, dark and mysterious. The stories go that there is stuff in there from thousands of years ago- artifacts, bones, and the like. It was scary and I only got so far in and had to back my way out. Too many thorns and sticks. Plus, I think there were some monsters and banshees in there, too. Not to mention oan seacs and ahmidans. When I was there, all five times, I kissed the ground and ate a bit of the grass, a bit of the mud, on behalf of all of us. I walked into the midst of the herd and loved the cows for a moment. I peed in a far corner of the field, leaving a bit of my DNA there. I hid an American penny between two of the flat stones of the fence.

Her brother, Maurice, lived there, tending the cows, until the '70's. He was in his nineties. He was an honored military veteran of the Old IRA. He is buried on top of his brother, James, Jimineen, said to have the finest golf swing in Clare. The guy who opened the grave and tossed Maurice in is Nicholas Fitzpatrick, Maurice's neighbor, who had a cup of tea each evening with Maurice in his kitchen. I met him and he told me I looked exactly like Maurice and he thought I was the ghost of Maurice come back. He said, "You are the dead spit of Maurice Moloney!!"

Nanny loved Maurice and spoke often of him.

She left Clare as a very young woman to come here. There is another family story that happened about 25 years ago on Mt. Baldy.

Mary Claire and Margy and Lizzy (that's grandmother, mother and daughter of the same mitochondrial DNA) got run off the road by a drunk and tumbled over the edge and landed below, car upright but banged up. Granny had broken ribs and bruises, Margy was knocked around, and Lizzy was on the back seat, not breathing, unbeknownst to her mother and grandmother, who were a bit shocky.

An elderly Irish woman with her hair in a bun and a thick Irish brogue touched Margy on the shoulder and said, "Look to the baby."

Margy immediately checked Lizzy, found her not breathing and pressed on her chest and revived her, and Lizzy was ok. Margy turned around to thank the woman, who had gone away. Margy asked, "Anyone see that Irish woman who was just here?" Everyone said, "What Irish woman?"

Margy said she knew who it was.

Kate embodied the Irish-American experience of "cruel exile, transportation," and the sadness and longing for her mother and her family and her Ireland, that she never saw again. She made the best of it, with her beautiful face and her perfect diction and grammar. She was very small and petite, but would not be bullied. And she was a devout believer in her Catholic faith, devoted to Christ and His Blessed Mother.

She took Boom Boom aside and told her, "Stay away from those Irish boys. Look at those Polish Wilkosczewski boys, with their shiny shoes and combed hair. One of them for you." And of course, Boom Boom did as her mother suggested and there was started the famous team of Boom and Boompa, Irv Wiley. Largely thanks to Nanny.

Her last years were marred by a stroke, but she did her best, like she always did, and set the example. She was the best possible kind of mother, to all of us.

She sang "Shule Aroon" to Boom Boom who sang it to us. Nanny was beloved by all who knew her.

Welcome Adrian!

Dear Hearts,

November 16th, 2021, Adrian Thomas Sullivan entered or world! Adrian is the son of John and Mercy; grandson of Jim and Erin and Skip and Donna; great grandson of Darlene and Bob; and nephew to scores of folks.

Mercy and Adrian, who weighed in at seven pounds, are healthy and happy after a middle-of-the-night delivery at 1:10 a.m. Mama reports, "Our little family is just so happy. I can’t believe I’m the proud mama of two baby boys."

Welcome to the world tiny boy, and may you have 125 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Max!

Dear Hearts,

November 15th is the birthday of Maximilian Charles Sullivan: son of Mike and Shelly; brother of Jake, Seamus, Mia, Gus, Sofia and Nellie; grandson of Bob and Darlene and Don and Judy; nephew, cousin and buddy to many more.

With his happy demeanor and adorable personality, Max continues to capture the hearts of anyone he meets. He's resilient, enthusiastic, happy and hilarious, and he played a terrific Lost Boy to his sister's Captain Hook on Halloween.

Happy birthday, sweet Max, and may you have 122 more healthy birthdays, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday June!

Dear Hearts,

November 13th is the birthday of June Elizabeth Frances Huffman: daughter of Katie O and Ryan, sister of Caroline and Grace; granddaughter of Mike, Joan, Mike and Susan; cousin, niece and friend to many more.

 
June is incredibly resilient and keeps up in every way with her big sisters--dancing, singing, running, swimming and scootering. She is discerning too, knitting her brow and tilting her head if she's skeptical or confused on a comment. In her brief little life Junie has charmed the hearts of many and has built strong friendships with young and old.

Happy birthday, sweet girl, and may you 121 more healthy ones, by your Grandma's Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save keep us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, John Naime!

Dear Hearts,

First day of school for John and a few siblings--Ruth, James and Anna

November 12th is the birthday of John Naime Herrington: son of Phillip and Ella; brother of Dee Dee, Joseph, Ruth, James, Anna, Agnes and Rose; grandson of Bob and Darlene and Eddie and Sylvia; cousin, nephew and friend to loads more lucky folks.

John is the third oldest of eight children and is in his final year (eighth grade) at St. Gregory's. He goes to school with a dozen or so siblings and cousins. John is growing fast and can hold his own in any situation.

Happy birthday, John, and may you have 111 more healthy ones by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

God Bless Mary Fran

Dear Hearts,

November 12th is the birthday of Mary Frances Patricia Sullivan Merwin: daughter of Big Sully and Mary Claire; sister of Jim, John, Mike, Matt, Anne, Jerry, Margy and Patty; wife of Gary; mother of Joe, Kate, Luke and Maggie; grandmother of Ava, Henry, Elianah, Francesca and Inez; in-law, aunt and cousin of a big bunch; friend and trusted associate of hundreds.

She was larger than life in so many ways and everyone loved being with her. She was an educator, leader, friend, confident, seamstress, goofball, chef, facilitator, entertainer...she was the best.

Mary Fran fought brain cancer ferociously and, in the end, lived her final days with incredible grace and courage. We, her pack, her dear hearts, are lucky to have had her for over 60 years. Happy Birthday in heaven, beloved sister.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

God Bless Pat Nau

Dear Hearts,

November 11th is the birthday of Patricia Pike McLoughlin Nau: wife of Donald "Mike," mother of Nancy, Patsy, Janet, Liz, Nick, Felix and Peter; Gammy to Jim, Mick, Amos, Miles, Franny, Michael, Matthew, J. Claire, Patrick, Christine, Peter, Elisabeth, Julie, Peter, Nathan, Felix, Jason, Peter, Travis, Michael, Allison, Emily; and Great Gammy to a bunch more.

She is Mrs. Nau to me, and the memories I have of her always involved happiness. She had the best voice and an even better laugh! Her home was beautiful and welcoming and she was the light of so many people's lives. Especially Old Scrap Iron's.

She was also a very dear friend to my mom, Mary Claire. They were two peas in a pod. Happy birthday in heaven, Mrs. Nau.

God bless us, and save us, and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

God Bless John Jeremiah

Dear Hearts,

November 10th is the birthday of John Jeremiah Sullivan II: the oldest son of Bob and Darlene, brother of Jim, Bobby, Paul, Tim, Mike, Mary, Margaret, Ella and Peter.

John died in a pedestrian car accident in February of 1980 when he was just 11 years old. He would have been 53 today, imagine that! I'm confident that at this stage in life John would have done such good in this world. I remember him as very sweet and super smiley, with sparkly eyes and freckled cheeks. I see his face in so many of his siblings and their children today!

Years ago, Uncle Bob dreamed that John was playing on a swing-set. Bob said, "When are you coming home?" John said, "Dad, I am home." What a gift. John is buried right next to his dad and grandma (Booma/Mom).

We love him and miss him. So, please continue to look after us John Jeremiah.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

Dear Hearts,

November 10th is the birthday of Elizabeth Monti Sullivan: wife of John Paul; mother of Charlie and Mickey; daughter-in-law of Joan and Mike; niece, cousin and in-law to many more of us.

Elizabeth is a gifted young woman in both the professional realm and personal. She works in healthcare management as a Senior Scientist at Merck, conducting and supporting clinical research programs. Interestingly, she works at the clinical trial level for developing therapies for infectious diseases and vaccines, while her cousin-in-law (?) Andrew works with doctors in clinics who are using those therapies with patients.

At home Elizabeth is a loving and supportive wife and mother who speaks Spanish and has a beautiful singing voice. She and John have created a comfy, creative and lovely home together.

So, happy birthday dear Elizabeth, and may you have 90 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, PJ!

Dear Hearts,

November 2 is the birthday of Paul Joseph Lewis, Jr.: son of Paul, Sr. and Margaret; brother of Mary Ella, Robert, William and Timothy; grandson of Bob and Darlene; cousin, nephew and friend to many more lucky people. He is a perfect mix of his parents--strong, faithful, smart, handsome and good.

P.J. is a junior at St. Mary High School and is having an impressive football season. He's one of the few players who is successful on both defense and offense (as a Free Safety and a Wide Receiver), as well as Special Teams. You can check out some terrific videos of PJ's prowess at this link.

Happy Birthday, P.J., and may you have 108 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Brandon!

Dear Hearts,

October 31 is the birthday of Brandon Goku Ryan: son of Maggie and Wade; grandson of John and Nancy; cousin of Evangeline and Violet; nephew of Michael, Lindsay and Matt; and a sweet, happy little buddy to all of us.

These days, Brandon and Maggie are enjoying wonderful time in Virginia with John and Nancy. He is a big strong boy and made for a very handsome Robinhood on Halloween. Albeit for about 10 minutes. 

Happy birthday, Brandon, and may you have 124 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Matt!

Dear Hearts,

October 30th is the birthday of Matthew Wiley Sullivan, Sr.: father of Matty, Henry and Georgia; grandfather of Averee; son of Big Sully and Mary Claire; brother of Jim, Mary Fran, John, Mike, Anne, Jerry, Margy and Patty; uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to lots more folks.

Matt is enjoying his return to acting and recently worked on a small movie for the American Film Institute filmed at the beautiful Big Sky Movie Ranch north of LA. He continues to work a bit in education by offering his services as a private tutor to local students. His days are filled out with playing guitar, cooking and growing an extensive garden, as well as visiting with family. He loves the chance to hang out with Henry and Georgia in San Diego.

Happy Birthday, Matt, and may you have 60 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Elianah!

Dear Hearts,

October 26th is the birthday of Elianah Merwin: daughter of Joe and Sondra; granddaughter of Mary Fran and Gary; cousin of Ava, Henry, Francesca and Inez, sister, niece and friend to many more.

Elianah is growing up to be a beautiful, smart and talented young lady. Outside of school--where she is receiving almost all A's on her report card--she has shifted her athletic pursuits from gymnastics to fencing. Eli reports that it's "not that hard!" Likewise, she has discovered a new musical instrument with the saxophone! Her artistry is diverse, as Elianah enjoys drawing and us currently redecorating her bedroom.

Anne found a very fun waterpark companion in Eli on their last visit, and Auntie Anne was amazed at how this brave young woman leapt down "the scariest waterpark slide I've ever seen," not just once, but three times! It's called the Hydro Halfpipe and is 35 feet high with a very steep drop.

When she sets her mind to it, she will overcome whatever challenge is placed in her path. Yet, with all that strength, Elianah continues to be a bountiful source of kindness and beauty to the world. And her sense of humor is divine!

Happy Birthday, sweet Eli, and may you have 113 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Anna!

Dear Hearts,

October 23rd is the birthday of Anna Margaret Herrington: daughter of Ella and Phillip Herrington; sister to Dee Dee, Joseph, John, Ruth, James, Agnes and Rose; granddaughter of Bob and Darlene and Eddie and Sylvia; cousin, niece and friend to dozens more lucky people. Her name brings thoughts of two wonderful and important people in our family--Aunt Margaret and Aunt Anna Rita, aka The Aunties. 

Anna is a seven-year-old toehead now and is well into her first grade year at St. Gregory. I'm sure she is a fine example to her baby sister and spark of joy for everyone she meets.

Happy birthday, sweet girl. May you have 118 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Phillip!

Dear Hearts,

October 18th is the birthday of Phillip Andrew Herrington: son of Eddie and Sylvia; brother of Joseph, Audrey and James; husband of Ella; father of Dee Dee, Joseph, John, Ruth, James, Anna, Agnes and Rose; in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to so many more.

Teaching Theater Arts for beginning, intermediate and advanced students for the Glendale Union High School District, Phillip is also directs the plays and musicals each year. As a thespian, he is a member of a several theater groups with a long list of credits.

But most important is Phillip as a husband and father. He is smitten with his Ella, who he calls his favorite person, and all eight of their kids are the focus and pride of his mind and heart.

Happy Birthday, Phillip, and may you have 81 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Anticipation of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Brynn!

Dear Hearts,

October 16th is the birthday of Brynn Noelle Sullivan: daughter of Tim and Maureen; sister of Andrew; granddaughter of Bob and Darlene and Andrew and Phyllis; niece, cousin and friend to many more. Brynn is a beautiful blend of her mother and father--beautiful, smart, kind and funny!

She has compeletd her senior year at Huntington Beach High School and has been enduring some pretty difficult health challenges lately. Please keep her in your prayers. Despite that, Brynn shows a stunningly beautiful smile and positive spirit.

And if you ever want to talk college football, Brynn is your girl!

Happy Birthday sweetheart, and may you have 106 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Beatrice!

Dear Hearts,

October 14th is the birthday of Beatrice Adelaide Sullivan: daughter of Mick and Mary; sister to Oscar and Georgia; granddaughter to Nancy Nau Sullivan, Jim and Bitsy and George and Eleanor Reid; niece, cousin and friend to scores more lucky folks.

Beatrice swims on a few different teams, including the Decatur Family YMCA team. She competes in the 500Y freestyle, 100Y backstroke and 100Y breaststroke. She loves to read and is a very intelligent girl. She is strong and dainty at the same time and brings lots of joy to her whole family.

Happy birthday, Little Bea, and may you have 113 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

Happy Birthday, Ivar!

Dear Hearts,

October 13th is the birthday of Ivar James Sullivan: son of John and Mercy; grandson of Jim and Erin and Skip and Donna; great grandson of Darlene and Bob; and nephew to scores of folks. Ivar is due to become a big brother very soon!

His first trip around the sun has been wonderful, despite being born in the middle of a global pandemic. His smile lights up the world and he has happily discovered chicken nuggets.

Happy birthday tiny boy, and may you have 124 more healthy ones. by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Russ!

Dear Hearts,

October 12th is the birthday of Russ Brogdon: son-in-law of Whitey and Signe; husband of Dagne; father of Matthew and Nathaniel; in-law, cousin and friend to many more.

Russ is a Georgia man who has a fine reputation, takes good care of Dagne's beautiful heart and has earned the respect of Whitey. He is also a dedicated Georgia Bulldog fan who also enjoys golf and travel with his family. 

Happy Birthday, Russ, and may you have 82 more healthy ones by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

God Bless Maurice Maloney

Dear Hearts,

October 11th is the 135th anniversary of the birth of Maurice Moloney, brother of Kate Sheehan (Boom's mom who was called Nanny by Mary Claire and Helen). Maurice was born October 11, 1878.

When Jim was in Ireland in 1992, found the family farm there in Clare and visited with Nicholas FitzPatrick, Maurice's neighbor and oldest friend. Nicholas almost fainted when Jim got out of the car--he thought it was Maurice himself who had come back from the grave! Nicholas said, "You are the dead spit of Maurice. If you'd had a walking stick in your hand, I would have had a heart attack." Maurice died in his nineties in the 1970s.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Maurice. God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty

God Bless Mary Fran

Dear Hearts,

October 11th is the 11th anniversary of the passing of Mary Fran Merwin: daughter of Big Sully and Mary Claire; sister of Jim, John, Mike, Matt, Anne, Jerry, Margaret and Patty; wife of Gary Merwin; mother of Joe, Katie, Luke and Maggie; grandmother to Ava, Henry, Elianah, Francesca and Inez; granddaughter, sister-in-law, cousin, aunt, niece and friend to so many more lucky folks.

She was larger than life in every way--so loving, smart, funny, professional, compassionate and kind. Sixteen years older than me, I had the joy and amazement of watching her get ready for dates--helping her choose what earrings to wear, smelling the Jean Nate perfume, getting to secretly try her lipstick.

In every phase of her life she amazed us all--as a college student, so independent and successful; as a young wife, so loving and creative; as a mother, so wise and nurturing; as a teacher and ultimately the principal of the largest high school in Wisconsin, so compassionate and professional. We are all better people to have known and loved her, and I pray we can all live up to her example.

We sure do miss you MF. Keep sending your messages and watching over us.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Brian!

Dear Hearts,

October 11th is the birthday of Brian Cusick: son of Budd and June; brother of Katherine, Linda, Debra and Bitsy; brother-in-law; uncle, cousin and friend to many more. Everyone calls him Budd.

Budd is the owner of Budd Autobody, the shop his dad opened in 1946 in Hammond, Indiana. He has ushered the shop into the 21st century beautifully and developed a state-of-the-art facility. It's a lot different from when he, at age five, began working with his dad, separating screws, washers and nuts into boxes. He was 10 when he painted his first car for a neighbor. He has truly made a name for himself as an honest and reputable business man in the Calumet Region.

While his business has an up-to-date and relevant Facebook page, Brian has eluded me in my hunt for a photograph of him. So I've included here pictures of the shop. It is one of the best-looking auto shops I've ever seen! (Let this be a lesson to the rest of you, if you don't send me updated info and photos, I must depend on the internet's resources.)

Happy Birthday Brian, and may you have 62 more healthy ones by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love,
Patty