Thursday, November 30, 2023

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. Earlier this year, Sr. John Mary was interviewed at the Marriage Catechumenate Summit in Texas, to share her vocation story and how she works with engaged couples moving toward and into marriage.

She is working is so many ways for the good of others, yet still manages to be an active part of her immediate family from afar. And Mary is still making everyone laugh and giggle.

Happy birthday, beloved cousin, and may you have 76 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

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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; brother-in-law of Misty; nephew, cousin and friend to many.

Andrew continues to live and work in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, not far from his cousins Georgia and Henry. His work as an Executive Vaccines Customer Representative for Merck keeps him on the move as his office is his car and he visits doctors' offices and clinics throughout the county. Early next year, he will have a fresh young recruit on his team who also happens to be his second cousin. Jake Sullivan has taken a job in San Diego with the same company!

Andrew continues to learn and perfect his guitar playing--electric, folk and classical--and has become a real student of music. His golf game is strong and he enjoys playing as often as possible.

He remains a loving, intelligent and loyal man with one of the best senses of humor I've ever known. Each time we visit, Andrew teaches me something--whether it's identifying the Nokia ring tone in a Francisco Tarrega composition, or understanding the organization of the European futbol leagues.

So, on this Feast of St. Andrew, happy birthday, Little A, and may you have 96 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

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

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 is doing amazing work as the principal and superintendent of Mt. Baldy School and has created a school culture that makes the students want to show up to learn, participate and build friendships. She has succeeded in building an energetic and talented faculty and staff and loves having her three daughters with her all day long.

At home, she and Ryan have created a creative and comfy home where they all enjoy baking, scootering, gardening, painting, reading, singing and dancing through their days.

Happy Birthday, Katie O., and may you have 85 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

Thursday, November 23, 2023

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 sophomore year, Oscar continues to work hard and realize success on the track, in the classroom and through his hobbies. His cross country season saw him competing in the three-mile event where he ran a personal best of 18:27. He rounds out his studies and athletics with music, gardening and being a wonderful big brother and son.

Happy Birthday, Oscar 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

Monday, November 20, 2023

Congratulations Jerry & Jane!

Dear Hearts,

Monday, October 2, 2023, we gained a new member of the family when Jerry married his beloved Jane in New York City.

After a ceremony at City Hall, the newlyweds enjoyed lunch in Little Italy, then later a lovely dinner at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. In Mike's words, "Smiles never left our faces." 

Congratulations, Jerry and Jane. Here's to many years of wedded bliss.

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.

Maeve is a voracious reader and a smart conversationalist. Her Papa Sully loves discussing any topic with her and she keeps him in line and up to date. She is a wonderful example to her two brothers with a lovely balance of sibling authority and loving sister. Maeve is also amazingly articulate and her sense of humor is wonderful!

Happy Birthday, Maeve Rosemary, and may you have 115 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

Sunday, November 19, 2023

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.

While Kate continues to nurture, entertain, enjoy and work for her beautiful family in Minneapolis, she and Will have blended their clans seamlessly and continue their togetherness, support, love and fun for each other between their homes in Minnesota and Colorado. 

Kate continues to explore the world with her sweetheart, enjoying a trip recently to Copenhagen. As a corporate communications specialist, she is thriving as the Head of Communications, North America at Coloplast. Her work requires a blend of powerful skills in vital disciplines: healthcare/wellness and communications. The company is lucky to have such a compassionate and skilled woman.

Happy Birthday, Kate, 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, Jack!

Dear Hearts,

Jack with his sister Hannah.
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 in his third year at the University of Dallas, attending with several Sullivan cousins and two sisters. He's been recognized and named to the honor roll, and continues to work hard at his studies. He also jumps on whatever adventure is being planned by friends or family.

Happy Birthday, Jack, and may you have 104 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

Saturday, November 18, 2023

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 146th 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

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Happy Birthday, Adrian!

Dear Hearts,

November 16th is the birthday of Adrian Thomas Sullivan: son of John and Mercy; brother of Ivar, grandson of Jim and Erin and Skip and Donna; great grandson of Darlene and Bob; and nephew to scores of folks.

Adrian has a terrific example in his big brother Ivar and seems to be keeping up as best he can. He is also preparing to become a big brother to two siblings as his momma, Mercy, is expecting twins!

So, happy birthday, little Adrian, and may you have 123 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

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

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 enjoying being an only child for much of each day! It's bittersweet to watch him grown out of babyhood and into a cowboy so quickly.

Happy birthday, sweet Max, 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

Sunday, November 12, 2023

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 in kindergarten at Mt. Baldy School and loves being on campus with not only her sisters, but also her mom! She is strong and sure and in her brief little life she has charmed the hearts of many. June is loving, strong and a fiercely loyal friend.

Happy birthday, sweet girl, and may you 118 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!

 Dear Hearts,

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 a sophomore at St. Mary's along with a sibling and several cousins. He plays tight end and outside linebacker for the Knights' football team and can hold his own in any situation.

Happy birthday, John, and may you have 109 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 55 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 continues to grow in her career having moved to a new position as Associate Director, Global Feasibility Lead at Janssen of Johnson and Johnson. In that role she is conducting and supporting clinical research programs.

She is also a loving and supportive wife and proud mama who cheers on those two boys in all aspects of their lives. She and John have created a comfy, creative and lovely home together.

So, happy birthday dear Elizabeth, and may you have 88 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 freshman at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, the same school where his second cousin, Maggie Hanjani, received her law degree! He is on the football team and at 6'3" and 185 lb., he makes a great wide receiver.

Outside of sports, he is a steady, kind and polite young man who works hard and loves to goof around with his siblings and cousins.

Happy Birthday, P.J., 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, 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.

Brandon and Maggie are enjoying life in Baltimore where Brandon loves playing with his toys. In particular, he is expert in lining up his tiny cars and gathering his stuffed animals together. They live just a few miles from Uncle Matt too! He is a happy guy with a smile that will melt your heart, and already shows impressive taste and keen intellect when it comes to playing.

Happy birthday, Brandon, and may you have 122 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 keeps very busy both professionally and personally. He is frequently being called for auditions in various productions and has become quite proficient in the technological process of creating reels and videos for casting directors. His creativity reaches the kitchen and beyond to an extensive and vibrant garden at his Hollywood apartment, from which he eats daily and shares lots of tasty fruits and veggies with family, friends and neighbors.

He loves the chance to hang out with Henry and Georgia in La Jolla, visit the farmers' market near his place and take a trip to the beach for some ocean swimming.

Happy Birthday, Matt, and may you have 58 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