Jackie Sullivan

Jackie Sullivan was a wonderful person to know and love. She lived her life with a positive outlook that supported her during life’s greatest challenges. Fun-loving, yet strong-willed, she was well-loved by her family. Her endearing personality and her compassion for others will be dearly missed by her beloved family and many special friends.

Her story begins on April 23, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while the nation was still recovering from tough economic times. That same year, the Dust Bowl storms continued, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge opened, and the pilot Amelia Earheart went missing over the Pacific. Jackie was born to Jack and Maxine Conley bringing great joy into their lives and joined 2 years later by sister Beth. Although their marriage ended in divorce, they were always proud to have raised such respectful daughters.

Growing up, Jackie and her younger sister lived with their mom who remarried a local firefighter, John Twiss. John and Maxine had 2 sons, John and Tommy, and Jackie welcomed and loved her 2 new brothers. After the tragic death of Tommy at age 2, she became even more focused on John as a protective big sister and shared a special bond with him throughout her lifetime. Jack went on to marry Josephine and they had three sons; three more brothers to join her family. Although they didn’t live together, Jackie always delighted in the times they would share together, especially memories of the marina on Murray Lake. Jackie and Beth were lucky to spend much of their growing years on their grandparents' farms in Ravenna and Nunica. They were fond of the farm animals and loved pitching in to help care for them. Later, she enjoyed the Twiss family farm in Casnovia picking and eating apples, cherries, plums, apricots and strawberries.

Young and in love, Jackie married Howard Sullivan on February 26, 1955, at LaGrave Avenue Church at age 17. She and Howard lived in a rental on Horton Street before moving to their first home on Quigley Street in Wyoming. Later they bought a house on Englehurst SW in Wyoming where they made their home for many years. Together, they raised their daughter, Kelly, who was their pride and joy!

As a mother, Jackie was very attentive. She was active in all of Kelly’s special school events and never passed up an opportunity to support her to ensure she was successful in her many endeavors; From sewing elementary school Easter play costumes, to countless dance lessons and recitals, from curling Kelly’s hair to ironing so many pairs of bell bottoms just right, and even teaching Kelly and her girlfriends what happens when you inhale helium from a balloon at her 16th birthday party. Kelly and her friends laughed so hard when they heard Mrs. Sullivan’s voice sound like Mickey Mouse. Howard worked as a Grand Rapids firefighter becoming close with his fellow firefighters and their families. The love of travel and adventure was mutual and together with these families they often traveled and camped at local campgrounds and state parks. These families continued to remain close-knit for many years creating lifelong friendships. They also hosted many family pool parties in their backyard; especially the annual opening of the pool season on Memorial weekend shared with the Griskey family.

When Jackie was younger she worked at Herpolsheimer's department store and Bell telephone. Later, she began work on an assembly line working alongside her sister, Beth. They became quite a team! Although this period was short, the stories they could tell. She eventually retired from Internal Grinding Abrasives. Retirement was spent traveling with Howard throughout the United States. They fell in love with Gulf Shores, Alabama, and chose to winter there for several years in their fifth-wheel camper. Soon several of their close friends and family joined them. She loved to comb the beaches for special shells and other treasures, watching the birds and wildlife, MardiGras parades, area casinos and enjoyed countless sunsets.

Jackie overcame many adversities in her life including difficult pregnancies and health challenges. In 1970, she and Howard were in a serious head-on collision. As a result, Jackie suffered significant injuries that left her facing a long recovery. Despite setbacks, she was able to heal. Her positive energy and determination were an inspiration to many. During this recovery period, she discovered her creative side, making multiple sequined christmas tree ornaments and painting special ceramic figurines. In 2002, her beloved Howard passed away after forty-seven years of marriage. She leaned on her family and friends to see her through. In 2011, Jackie was partially paralyzed after having back surgery. The journey to healing required extensive therapy and determination to return to independent living. Although this new independence included a wheelchair, she persevered making the best of her situation and enjoyed living at Heron Woods Senior Community in her own apartment and made many friends and was active in all activities.

As much as she enjoyed her role as a wife and mother, nothing could prepare her heart for the arrival of her precious grandchildren. Her joy knew no bounds with the arrival of Stephanie, Dan, and John. They enjoyed sleepovers, movies, swimming, and many family get-togethers and attending as many school activities and sporting events as they could. Always willing to babysit at any time, day or night, long or short, they relished all time with them. The kids especially loved the pool and Grandma and Grandpa’s personal pumpkin patch in the backyard and carving the pumpkins in October was a very special time. Jackie shared her birthday with her granddaughter, Stephanie, which always made the occasion extra special! When it came to special pastimes, Jackie went through the Beanie Baby craze and amassed a collection of hundreds….for her grandchildren, of course, pursuing all the special editions she was missing in her collection. Howard endured many fast food kids meals to obtain the special beanie baby prize! Recently, she was elated with the arrival of her great-grandson, James and overjoyed when holding him for the first time.

Described as quick-witted, strong, and fiercely independent, Jackie was a bright light in the lives of many. Overcoming much heartache in her lifetime and as her health challenges continued, she never let any situation bring her down, instead, she counted her blessings and picked herself up. Compared to the Energizer bunny by Sharon, she kept going and going when many would have given up. Jackie wanted nothing more than the very best for her many loved ones and special friends. She was grateful for every kindness shown to her. May you always look back fondly on her rich collection of memories and may your lives reflect the joy and laughter she shared over the years.

Loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Jacqueline Sullivan, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away February 1, 2022. Jackie was born April 23, 1937, in Grand Rapids to the late Jack (Josephine) Conley and Maxine (John) Twiss. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Howard Sullivan in 2002. Jackie was a member of the Casino Club Auxiliary. Her family was most important to her and she will be missed by her daughter, Kelly (Robert) VanDuinen; grandchildren, Stephanie (Evan Glass) VanDuinen of Yonkers, NY, Daniel (Gina) VanDuinen of Ypsilanti, John (Karli) VanDuinen of Duvall, WA; and great-grandson, James. She is also survived by her siblings, Beth (Robert) Bogert, John (Sharon) Twiss, Larry (LeeAnn) Conley, Tim (Nancy) Conley, Terry (Marilyn) Conley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a date to be announced. Jackie's family would like to thank the staff at Porter Hills for the kindness and support shown during her last years. Memorials may be made to Porter Hills Health Center North. To leave a memory or condolence visit www.heritagelifestory.com