Jannette Sullivan

 1923 – 2014

East Thompson – Jannette Sullivan, of East Thompson, CT passed away on Monday, August 25, 2014 at Westview Healthcare in Dayville, CT.  She was born on April 7, 1923, in East Hampton, CT to John F. and Dorothea (Charlesson) Anderson.

She attended the East Hampton school systems, moving to Cromwell, CT with her family as teenager. She worked for several years at the W. A. Pierson Greenhouses & Nursery in Cromwell, seeding and cultivating orchids. Wallace and Andy Pierson named one of their cymbidium Orchids, “The Jannette Anderson,” in honor and recognition of her care and success in growing these beautiful flowers.  She was an avid swimmer and loved music and dance. She had a passion for classic movies with an uncanny ability to identify every character in every movie.

She married Norman T. “Sully” Sullivan and they moved to East Thompson, buying their homestead on Quaddick Town Farm Road. There were many a family-filled Memorial Day gatherings, packing the field with friends and relatives playing softball and eating Sully’s famous steamers.  Mrs. Sullivan was a Thompson Brownie leader for several years and also worked with the Thompson Public Health Nurses, scheduling appointments and providing transportation to clinics.  Sully passed away in 1983. Mrs. Sullivan remained at their home until her declining health required care at Westview.

She leaves her daughter, Donna Rossi, and her husband, Enzo of Buffalo, WY; her step-daughter, Maureen Thomasen of Grand Junction, CO; her granddaughters: Ellen Reilly (Tim) of Rockford, IL., and Beth K. Fisher of Seymour, CT; four grandsons: Vaughn Modeen (Sue) of East Hartford, CT, Christopher Modeen of Middletown, CT, Jaime Thomasen of Manchester, CT and William Thomason of Grand Junction, CO; and three great-grandchildren Grace and Sullivan Reilly of Rockford, IL and Kyle Modeen of East Hartford, CT. She also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors for whom she cared deeply.  Her parents, sister Leona Smigel and brother Warren Anderson, passed away before her but always remained strong in her heart.

Those who loved Jannette will remember her wonderful baking abilities that included Swedish coffee cake, homemade roles and her famous scones. She had a deep love of cats and dogs and never turned away any of the many stray animals that arrived at her doorstep. Her passion for playing card games, like pitch, were only rivaled by her unending ability to win each hand.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Marguerite Davis for her expertise, extra time and caring. Also to a heartfelt thank you to the Annex Nursing Staff at Westview for their professionalism, compassion and devotion to Jannette (with a special thank you to Barbara and Angie).

As her husband Sully would say, “Safe journey and bless you, Jano!” We are all better people for knowing and loving you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Thompson Fire Department, or the animal shelter of your choice.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jannette’s family at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 30, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT with a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in East Thompson Cemetery.  For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.