Madeleine Rose Sullivan

Madeleine Rose Sullivan, age 89, died on June 22, 2023, in Redmond, Washington. Born on October 10, 1933, in Dedham, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Colonel Joseph Laurence and Ruth Charlotte Fenton. Madeleine graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1951, and received a full scholarship from the Archdiocese of Boston to attend Emmanuel College. After completing her first year, she moved to be near her parents, as her father was stationed in Europe with the U.S. Army. She continued her studies at La Chatelainie Institut de Jeune Filles, Neuchatel, Switzerland; and the University of Maryland, Stuttgart, Germany. 

On the day after she turned 25, Madeleine married Dr. Albert Daniel Sullivan, Jr. in the Catholic Chapel at Fort Devens. Her father was serving as inspector general of the fort. Madeleine and Al had known each other for years, having met in the 5th grade at St. Mary’s School in Dedham. The couple lived in Davenport, Iowa, while Albert completed his studies at the Palmer School of Chiropractic.

Madeleine and Al moved to Washington State in 1960, where they became fixtures of the University Place community. Active parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church since the Church’s infancy, Madeleine also greatly enjoyed The Catholic Woman’s Club. In keeping with Madeleine’s deep love of books, they led the campaign to bring a branch of the Pierce County Library to University Place.

Beloved Mother and Nana, she leaves behind daughter, Maura Sullivan of Bellevue (Lee Nave); former daughter-in-law, Julie Sullivan; grandchildren, Molly Kessler (Alex), Anne and Madeleine Sullivan, Claire and Corey Nave; and a great grandchild expected this fall. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Mary Elizabeth George; brother, Michael Fenton; and son, Brian Joseph Sullivan.

A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 11 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at 7112 S. 12th Street, Tacoma. Inurnment will be at New Tacoma Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity or cause meaningful to you.

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