Ella Mary (Trombly) Sullivan, 87, of Nashua, widow of Richard D. Sullivan Sr., passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, February 18, 2016.
Mrs. Sullivan was born in Milford, NH on May 25, 1928, one of eight children of the late E.J. and Josephine (Bisson) Trombly. Ella grew up in Amherst and Milford; was educated in local schools and graduated from Milford High School as Salutatorian of her class of 1946. Ella and her husband were married on January 8, 1949 and made their home in Hollis. Together, they raised seven children.
Ella owned and operated the Pine Street Market in Nashua for several years and later worked for Lamerand Enterprises. Earlier in her career she did social work for Operation Help of Milford.
Known for her outgoing personality and a heart full of joy, Ella was an advocate for helping underprivileged people and was active in politics, serving as the Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee for Hillsborough County. Her main focus in life was something that came naturally to her: loving, guiding and caring for her large family no matter what the challenge. She was an eternal optimist who will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, Ella was predeceased by her husband of 27 years, Richard D. Sullivan Sr. who passed away January 31, 1976; an infant daughter, Kathleen Sullivan; a grandson, David F. Cheries II; five brothers, Weston E., Russell N., Corlis F., Stanley and Paul Trombly; and her sisters, Hazel E. Johnson and Shirley E. Grant.
Members of her family include her seven children, Wendy Sullivan of Savannah, GA, Richard D. Sullivan Jr. and his wife Becky of Hollis, John M. Sullivan and his wife Marie of Temple, Susan Sullivan Bouley and her husband George Bouley of Hudson, Heidi M. Wilson of Newburyport, MA, Holly Sullivan and her wife, Karla Cellupica of Hudson and Sarah M. Sullivan Newsam and her husband David of Cape Elizabeth, ME; seven grandchildren, Katy Sullivan of New York, NY, Patrick Sullivan of Portsmouth, Jeremiah Cheries of New London, Misty Quail and her husband Marc of Clifton Park, NY, Pamela Cheries of Nashua, Abigail Ella Wilson of Nahant and Newburyport, MA and Colin S. Lamerand of Raymond; four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Tiara, Josiah and Addison; two sisters-in-law, Hope Trombly of Banning, CA and Molly Trombly of Milford; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, February 23rd from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. Encryptment will follow in the Mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in Ella’s memory to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
