Mary Rose Sullivan

Mary Rose Sullivan, age 94, retired Captain U.S. Navy and Professor Emerita at the University of Colorado, of Westwood and previously of Woburn, East Boston, and Denver CO.  Loving daughter of the late John J and Elinor (Crotty) Sullivan, dear sister of the late John J. Sullivan, Jr., Captain Elinor M. Sullivan, U.S. Navy,  and James E. Sullivan, Sr. and his surviving wife Margaret (Peggy Padden) Sullivan of West Roxbury. Cherished aunt to ten nieces and nephews and their twenty-three children. 

Mary Rose grew up in East Boston and Somerville, where she attended St. Clement High School. A scholarship from the Mass Catholic Order of Foresters allowed her to attend Emmanuel College, graduating in 1952.  Mary Rose was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, serving on both coasts. After four years, she returned home, took a teaching job at Woburn High School, and used the GI bill to buy her family their first (and only) home on Russell Street. Mary Rose went on to earn a master's at Catholic University and taught at Emmanuel College while earning a Ph.D. from Boston University, specializing in Victorian literature. She then drove her Ford Mustang west to the University of Colorado Denver, earning the rank of Professor and the affection of her students, some of whom remained in touch for the rest of her life.  Mary Rose wrote and edited numerous books and articles on the poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, conducting research in London and Florence.  Continuing her military career as a Navy reservist, Mary Rose attained the rank of Captain. Several times she had the pleasure of pinning her younger sister Elinor, who was also a Navy officer.  In the 1970s, they were the first sisters to attain the rank of Captain in any Navy in the world.  Together, the Captains Sullivan were piped ashore in 1984 after sixty years combined service to their country, which prompted President Ronald Reagan to send a congratulatory letter to their proud mother.  

Mary Rose retired to Woburn, glad to be back near family and delighted to watch the arrival of another generation of nieces and nephews.  She enjoyed many happy summers in York Beach, Maine. An active parishioner at St. Barbara's Parish, Woburn, Mary Rose was awarded the Cheverus Medal by the Archdiocese of Boston.  Mary Rose continued her scholarly writing into her retirement, and was a longtime member of the Boston Browning Society.  She also volunteered at Hanscom Air Force base, advising military retirees as they transitioned to civilian life.  Her retirement travels brought her back to some of the countries she had visited in her Navy days, and a trip to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day was especially memorable. As they entered their 80s, Mary Rose and her brother Jack moved to Fox Hill Village in Westwood, and enjoyed making new friends and participating in social and cultural events. The Sullivan family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Birch Grove Assisted Living, Embrace Home Healthcare, and Old Colony Hospice, whose good work allowed Mary Rose to remain at home as she wished.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House at https://fisherhouse.org/get-involved/fundraise/ to support military and veteran families seeking medical care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday October 4, at 11:00 am in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St. Westwood. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in St. Margaret Mary Church Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 am. Interment New Calvary Cemetery.