Barbara Hayes Sullivan, of North Hill, Needham, and Brewster, formerly of Wellesley, died on November 18th 2023, one day shy of her 93rd birthday.
A beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother (“Nonnie”), Barbara’s long, rich life was underpinned by the pillars of faith, family, and community. Her striking elegance and understated style were immediately noticed in any room she entered, but it was her deep kindness that her family and many friends will remember most.
Born to Edward and Helen Hayes in Jamaica Plain in 1930, Barbara was the oldest daughter of a proud Irish Catholic family. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1948, with her junior prom date, David Sullivan, becoming her husband of 65 years a few short years later. She went on to major in English at Regis College, graduating in 1951.
Marrying in 1953, Barbara and David had four children, Gregory, Michael, Ellen, and Maura, raising them on Colgate Road in Wellesley. When Greg was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, Barbara evolved into a fierce advocate and champion for her young son, defying the odds to ensure Greg remained at home with his family his entire childhood. Whether it was cheering on the Special Olympics or supporting the Latham Centers, Barbara and David made certain Greg was able to live a life surrounded by love, on his own terms.
Living in Wellesley and summering in Brewster, Barbara became a pillar of her community. A natural leader, whether it was as President of the Wellesley Garden Club or fielding calls and questions from residents at Sea Pines, she was often called upon to serve her community in one way or another and she was always willing to do so. Ever the devout Catholic, you knew you could find Barbara at Saint Paul’s Church every Sunday.
Proud member of Eastward HO! and Wellesley Country Club, she gained lifelong friends and community from her time spent at both. Whether it was Tuesday nights on the tennis courts with the TNTG, enumerable rounds of golf, or fierce games of Bridge in her later years, she found so much fun at both places.
Barbara had understated business savvy. She was always one of the more successful members of the Gains Investment Club, of which she also became President. And she founded and ran a successful business, Pink Ladies Estate Sales, that became ubiquitous in Wellesley and beyond for over four decades. Today, every member of the Sullivan family has the Pink Ladies to thank for an item in their current home (many of which might bare initials that are not their own).
Barbara loved to be surrounded by friends and family. She would never be one to miss a party and was an incredible host (if not a good cook). Perhaps her most important and successful role was as matriarch of the extended Sullivan family. Every summer she would host her entire family at Sea Pines in Brewster. There was nothing better than a
glass of wine on the porch watching the sun set over the water surrounded by everyone she loved and who loved her back so dearly.
Barbara now joins her husband, David, and two sons, Greg and Michael, in Heaven. She will be missed and remembered by her daughters, Ellen McGann and Maura Sullivan, her son-in-law Bill McGann and daughter-in-law Mary Sullivan, her eight grandchildren, Corey (Jari) Martin, Emilie (Tyler) Bak, Jessica (Andrew) Kempton, Daniel (Elizabeth) Sullivan, Billy McGann, Olivia (Brian) Bresnahan, Courtney (Kyle) Gatlin and Isabel Sullivan, and six great grandchildren, Madeleine Martin, Eloise Martin, Nolan Kempton, Oliver Martin, Roselyn Bak, and Samuel Kempton.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street, Wellesley, on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 9:00–10:30am. Funeral Mass directly to follow at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 502 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA. Interment in Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Latham Centers, Inc (Lathamcenters.org) and Hope for Depression Research Foundation (hopefordepression.org).