Kathleen Kelly Sullivan

Kathleen Kelly Sullivan, 53, of Bristol, went to be with the Lord Thursday evening, January 31, 2008. She passed peacefully with her beloved husband, David and Cocker Spaniel, Mollie Mae, by her bedside at home.

She was born November 20, 1954 in Garrett, Indiana to John "Jack" Kelly and Jacqueline "Jackie" Bowers Kelly. She married David Edward Sullivan on June 8, 1991 in Elkhart.

Kathleen was a teacher of the heart, having received a B.S. in Elementary Education at Indiana University in 1978. She spent numerous years in the Ft. Wayne, South Bend, and Elkhart areas teaching 3rd and 4th grades. She earned a M.A. at Ball State University in 1983 with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education.

Her passions included walking her two dogs, planting flowers, writing to loved ones and volunteer work. She was a Big Sister for 10 years earning the Big Sister of the Year Award in 1996. She also devoted much time to Kiwanis, Sr. Virginia's Adult Basic Education and was a Distinguished Toastmaster earning the coveted award in 2003.

A 27 year cancer survivor, she spoke to many audiences about faith in adverse times of one's life. She was the keynote speaker at the American Cancer Walk for Life in Mishawaka in 2000.

Surviving are her husband, David, mother, Jackie Kelly of Bristol, and 3 brothers, George, Vincent and James Kelly all of Elkhart.

Visitation is at the Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home Monday from 4-8 pm, Tuesday from 11-2 and 4-8 pm and a half hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am Wednesday at St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish, Bristol. Father Robert A. VanKempen will officiate. A dinner will be served immediately following the service. Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Auburn, Indiana. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm both Monday and Tuesday evenings at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Center for Hospice and Palliative Care or Susan G. Komen For The Cure.