WOBURN — Esther (Donovan) Sullivan of Woburn, formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on August 25, 2021. She was 79 years old.
Born and raised in Melrose, Esther graduated from Melrose High School and Salem State College. Esther spent her career as a teacher in the Melrose Public Schools, retiring in 2003.
Her family will remember her unconditional love and support. She loved her job as a sixth grade math teacher at the Melrose Middle School. She was devoted to the Red Sox, especially Jimmy Piersall.
She loved spending time at Moody Beach, Cape Cod and Singing Beach. She enjoyed sewing and knitting, but what she cherished most was spending time with family, especially her three grandchildren.
Esther was the devoted wife of 53 years to the late Francis (“Joe”) Sullivan, who passed away this past March. She is survived by Susan Sullivan of Melrose; Richard Sullivan and his wife, Judi, of Woburn; and Paul Sullivan and his wife, Michelle Ocampo, of Brooklyn, NY. She was the proud grandmother of Emily and Ainsley Sullivan of Woburn and Jules Sullivan of Brooklyn, NY. She was the cherished sister of her twin brother John “Jack” Donovan and his wife, Claire, of Poinciana, FL. Loving sister-in-law of Kathryn Murphy of Saugus and John Sulllivan of Ft. Myers, FL. She is predeceased by her sisters Carol Sprott and Nancy O’Connor, her brother-in-law Richard Sullivan and her loving dog, Kelley, who passed away in April. She is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends were invited to a visiting hour at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 9:15-10:15 a.m. before leaving in procession for her funeral mass celebrated at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 11 a.m. Masks are kindly requested. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Esther’s memory to the American Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington DC, 20090-6011 or act.alz.org/donate.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
