Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Dear Hearts,

Andrew catching up with Ryan at
Henry's and Alyssa's wedding.

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; uncle to Emmett; nephew, cousin and friend to many. Andrew was born on the Feast of St. Andrew!

Living in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, not far from his cousins Georgia and Henry, Andrew continues his work as an Executive Vaccines Customer Representative for Merck. He's enjoying working with his cousin Jake Sullivan who started with Merck last year.

Andrew continues to learn and perfect his guitar playing on just about anything with strings--electric, folk, classical guitars, as well as mandolin and a sort of banjo instrument. He is a real student of music and may spend weeks at a time learning a specific artist's work. His golf game is strong and he enjoys playing as often as possible. In his new role as uncle, Andrew shows yet another set of skills--holding and entertaining a tiny baby with his giant hands and entertaining Emmett with the guitar.

He remains a considerate, 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 95 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 has faced many challenges this year professionally and has moved through them with courage and grace. Mt. Baldy village suffered physically and emotionally during the Bridge Fire, when residents were evacuated for over a week while a well-populated canyon in the heart of the village was devastated by the Bridge Fire. As the principal and superintendent of Mt. Baldy School, Kate's responsibilities were widespread and constant. Faculty and staff, parents and students, community members looked to her for information, guidance, resources and more. Kate provided for them while also holding her own family close with comfort and support.

Thankfully, Kate and Ryan's home was not affected and life in Baldy is getting back to normal for the lucky folks. 

Happy Birthday, Katie O., and may you have 84 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,

Oscar, second from right, will probably be taller
than his dad on his next birthday.

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."

Oscar continues to work hard and realize success in high school--on the track, in the classroom and through his hobbies. His cross country season saw him competing consistently in the three-mile event, and his name is always among the Honor Roll lists at his school. 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 107 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.

Maeve is one of the happiest people I've ever met. Her sweet smile and bright eyes make everyone feel lighter, and chatting with Maeve on a variety of topics is always delightful. She is truly concerned about the people around her, inquiring about how they feel and whether they enjoyed their meal. 

She is a voracious reader and her vocabulary is fabulous. Combine those qualities with a sharp sense of humor and you have a girl who makes you think, laugh and feel good.

Happy Birthday, Maeve Rosemary, 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, 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.

What a year Kate is having in 2024! She's helped Ava explore college options and was thrilled that Ava chose to attend Kate's alma mater--University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire! They have all already enjoyed the annual UWEC Family Weekend. Henry started high school this fall and enjoyed his first homecoming.

Professionally she has made a big change by starting her own business called ClearHealth Communications. Kate is now an independent contractor in the health and wellness space and immediately landed a contract as a communications contractor for Pfizer's Customer Experience and Engagement team.

Kate continues to explore the world with her sweetheart Will, spends time in Colorado and Minnesota, enjoys time with her Dad and siblings and stays in contact with friends far and wide.

Happy Birthday, Kate, and may you have 78 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 senior at the University of Dallas, attending with several Sullivan cousins and a sister. He's are regular on teh Dean's list and keeps busy outside his studies with various outdoor activities.

Happy Birthday, Jack, and may you have 103 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 Wiley

 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 147th 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

Happy birthday, Adrian!

Dear Hearts,

November 16th is the birthday of Adrian Thomas Sullivan: son of John and Mercy; brother of Ivar, Simon and Jude; 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 and is keeping up beautifully with him. And now he is a big brother to his twin brothers and handling the job quite well. Last month we saw a sweet and enthusiastic Adrian playing a convincing Spiderman on Halloween.

So, happy birthday, little Adrian, 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, 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 into a grade school kid now that he's started kindergarten.

Happy birthday, sweet Max, and may you have 119 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 cruising through first grade at Mt. Baldy School and sports a classic gappy-toothed smile like so many first graders. She 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 117 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,

John and his sister Ruth ready
for Homecoming.

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 junior at St. Mary's along with a sibling and several cousins. He runs the 4x800 relay and 1600 meter in track and field, and plays tight end and outside linebacker for the Knights' football team. This young man can hold his own in any situation. You can see his 39-yard touchdown reception here.

Happy birthday, John, 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

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 56 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 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, complete with a music studio in the basement for their budding musicians.

So, happy birthday dear Elizabeth, and may you have 87 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 sophomore at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, where he is studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Catholic Studies. He is a wide receiver for the Tommies football team and has been named on the Academic Honor Roll

Outside of sports, Paul 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 105 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