Frances Mary Sullivan's Obituary
Frances Mary Sullivan, 83 years old and resident of Dunedin, Florida, passed away on April 19th, 2023,
due to a sudden and threatening diagnosis of cancer. She passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Frances was a beloved Grandmother, Mother, neighbor, friend, and teacher. She was known for many
wonderful traits, most notably were her sense of humor, her uncompromising love for her children and
grandchildren, her love for travel, and her uncanny ability to always be appropriately dressed
surrounded by a hint of Chanel perfume, as well as her ability to set an amazing holiday dinner table.
Frances was born in November 1939 in upstate New York. She spent her childhood through college in
Jamaica Estates, Queens, New York. Her education included a Bachelor of Science Degree from St.
John’s University. She was one of the first female graduates from a previously all male institution. Prior
to marriage she had a career working for Air France as a ticket agent and enjoyed traveling the world
with the perks that came with the job. After marriage and starting family her career switched to
teaching, with a focus on 6th to 8th grade History and English courses. Frances bravely moved from
Queens, New York, to the Clearwater area in the summer of 1978 with her three teenage children in
tow. Her career focus was teaching middle school children continued having spent over 20 years at
Dunedin Middle School. She often said middle schoolers where the perfect age for her – fun loving with
an eagerness to learn and just starting to find their own way in the world.
After her retirement from teaching, Frances spent her time volunteering in the Dunedin community.
She volunteered for years in the downtown Dunedin Museum. She enjoyed meeting visitors and
expressing her fondness for the rich history of the Dunedin community. Frances also volunteered for
the Dunedin Friends of the Library. She truly loved her time with the Dunedin library family. She
enjoyed spending time with her fellow volunteers and finding both new and common interests with all
those she met.
Frances is preceded in death by her father, John McGrath, mother, Margarita McGrath, step mother,
Viola Abel, and her step brother, Patrick McGrath. Frances leaves behind a loving family - Scott and
Carol Sullivan of Dunedin, and their children, Scotty, Amanda, and Morgan Sullivan, and great grandchild
Kara Seward, her daughter Maryann Sullivan of Safety Harbor, and her son James Sullivan of Gainesville,
and his daughters Grace and Catie Sullivan.
Frances Mary Sullivan's Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at Light of Christ Catholic Church, 2176 Marilyn St, Clearwater, FL 33765. A Graveside Service will follow in Curlew Hills Memory Gardens 1750 Curlew Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. A Celebration of Life Reception at France’s home in Dunedin will see friends from approximately 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, a charity that she has
supported throughout her life.
What’s your fondest memory of Frances?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frances?
Share a story where Frances' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frances you’ll never forget.
How did Frances make you smile?
