Sullivan, Patricia B.
Patricia Beatrice Sullivan passed away from a stroke on October 3, 2012, a few weeks before her 75th birthday.
She was born in Butte, Montana on October 20, 1937 to Tim and Agnes Sullivan, proud Irish immigrants. It was in Butte, surrounded by her Irish family that she began her life filled with love. She lived her early years with her family at Auntie Bea and Uncle Pat’s bar, The Shilleleagh, on the outskirts of Butte. Back then, they served food and drinks and had a lively dance hall. They lived in the house attached to the bar and Patsy (as they call her in Butte) spent hours roller skating on the wooden porch and wandering the nearby prairie.
Tim and Agnes eventually bought a house in town and Patsy attended St. Ann’s and Butte Central Catholic Schools. She was a speed skater and captain of her volleyball team. She graduated from a two-year Business program and this paved the way for her 30 year career with the State of Montana. She retired as a claims examiner for the Dept of Labor and Industry. Patsy was a hard worker, often working two jobs to support her four children, including working weekends at St. Peter’s Hospital for 15 years.
After Patsy retired, she stayed in Helena to be near her family. It was easier that way because if she moved, she knew we would just follow her anyway. She lived large and anyone that knew Patsy was blessed with her generosity, affection, humor, and that laugh…… the biggest, best, most infectious, unapologetic, and boundless laugh. She was absolutely ALWAYS there to lend an ear, warm the heart, remind you when you did something wrong and congratulate you when you did something right. She was loyal to the core.
Patsy loved to travel with her family to California, Mexico, Nevada and her favorite trip of all time was visiting family in County Cork, Ireland. She made fast friends there and quickly became the ‘favorite Yank’.
Patsy was glamorous and never left the house without looking like a star. She didn’t look her age and was often asked if she was our sister. This always brought on a big smile.
Dearest Mom, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend; NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU.
Patsy is survived by her children; Don (Diana) Ferriter, Tim (Connie) Ferriter, Paddy (John Walker) Ferriter, and Tracy (Jonathan Gorman) Miller. Her Grandchildren Erin (Curt Johnston), Chris (Tony Jacquez), Caitlin Ferriter, Tara Ferriter-Smith (Greg Smith), Kelly(Summer)Ferriter, Brady Ferriter, Bridget and Johnny Walker and Sarah Gorman.
Great Grandchildren Dawson Reardon, Ireland Johnston, Kaide Ferriter, Diana and Anthony Jacquez, Michael and Timmy Smith, Kaleb, Kennedi, Rian, and Gracie Ferriter.
Her sister Aggie (John) Metz, nieces and nephews; John Metz, Aggie and (Don) Duhame, Mary Jo Walsh, Buddy Walsh, and their children; cousins Katherine, Logan, Patrick and Jennifer Spady, and special friends Lori Rittel and Joyce Glass. Patsy will be missed by her many loving relatives in Ireland.
Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, Tim and Agnes Sullivan, her sister and brother-in-law Mary Jo and Bud Walsh, Auntie Bea and Uncle Pat Harrington and her nephew Joseph Metz.
The family would like to thank Dr. Weiner and the nursing staff at St. Peters Cancer Center for the care and compassion given to their mother.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers you may donate to St. Peters’ Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT, 59601, or a charity of your choice.
Pam Brown says
Dearest Don, Tim, Paddy, Tracy & Families ~
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Patti has been my very dearest and treasured freind for more than 40 years. She was a lady with cherished qualities a friend shoud have, laughter, integrity and such a fun loving person. She loved all of you so much! She was always so proud of you and she was the best mom, grandma and friend a person could ever have!
Please know that our thoughts, Prayers and heartfelt sympathy is with you at this time. I will miss my friend so much! My Prayers will continue for all you to help heal your hearts and keep you all safe. May my dear and most wonderful friend rest in peace. I know she will be in Heaven watching over all of us. What a treasure she was!
May God Bless You All,
Pam, Charlie & John Brown
Helena, MT
Russ & Kelli Kaufman says
Tim, Don, Tracy, Paddy, and family,
Keeping you in our prayers. May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Bridget Walker and Sarah Gorman says
OUR MEMORIES
My most vivid memory of my Grandmother is that she always surprised me. She was loving kind happy and most importantly my grandma. When i was little i called her NANA… i have about 20 letters from her that say love nana. i miss her so so much. i love you grandma. love, Bridget age 12
What i remember most is how she always wore makeup. She looked so good all of the time.
love Sarah age 8
Billie Jo & Brian Gonzales says
Patty, John, Bridget & Johny,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was an absolutely beautiful lady that never looked a day older than 40. We enjoyed visiting with her at your family gatherings where she always went out of her way to welcome anyone in her path. Her compassion and love has trickled down through all of her children, I am blessed to have known her.
Thoughts, prayers and love to all of you.
Love, Billie Jo and Brian Gonzales
Ed McKnight says
I worked with Pat at St. Peter’s over 20 years ago. She was one of those rare, unforgettable people, full of humor and stories. I can still see and hear her vividly; good memories of a wonderful person. My condolences to her family.
Jill Chapman says
My heart is going out to all of you – Patti was such a wonderful lady and I am so sorry – her children and family were always her pride and joy and she loved you all so much! The world has lost a very classy woman! Sending my love and prayers, Jill
Joyce GLASS says
Patty was my friend for 57 yrs and my matron of honor 55 yrs ago We shared much of our lives together with our families. I will miss her every day Joyce
Susan says
Don, Tim, Patty, Tracy and families,
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your mom Patsy. I remember Patsy for her quick wit, her beauty and the love she had for her family. She was a lot of fun to be around: dancing, laughing, celebrating birthdays and graduations… I have nothing but fond memories from the time I lived with her and all of the visits since.
Find comfort in the memories you all share, sending positive thoughts and prayers to you all.
Love Susan
Jean Venner Shaw says
Donny, Timmy, Paddy, Tracy and families: I was very sad to hear that Patsy had passed. She was a great person and will be missed by all who knew her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
pat, maureen & family ( IRELAND ) says
our thoughts are with you all at this sad time, remembering your visits to IRELAND,
MAUREEN, PAT, MONKIES , PEANUTS, BEARS &BUNNIES…
Rhonda Strainer-Score says
Dear Ferriter Families,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. She had a loving heart and was always so concerned about everyone else and their troubles. She brought sunshine and happiness to every room she entered and I will always remember her carefree spirit. Skip adored her and fondly loved to tease her whenever he could. I’m glad I got to meet and know her through Skip. I am praying for God to wrap his loving arms around all of you and comfort you and grant you peace. May all the wonderful memories you have sustain you today and in the coming days. You have my deepest sympathy.
Rhonda Strainer-Score
Gene Elaine Rodgers says
Hey Paddy & family,
Y’all took such good care of your dear mom, I’m sure you did her proud. I see where you got your looks & glam Paddy- she was gorgeous! Holding you in my heart & prayers. Love Gene
Mark and Cassie says
Mark and I are deeply sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
B says
G
You are tho most amazing person. I love you so much I don’t know what I’m going to do with out you. We laughed every single day, I never left your house with out a laugh or a smile, you made every day special I love and miss you do much!!
Kate Huntsberger says
Sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was such a sweet heart.
I can only imagine how you will miss her.
Love
Kate
apple of your eye says
gramma patti i still miss you every single day and carry your kind soul everywhere with me. i wish to be the kind of woman you were one day. i wish i could drive you around just like i always promised i would and we could go shop till we drop. i miss your laugh and hugs and how you’d always tell me how much you loved me. i wish i could run outside and get your mail again or watch you do your makeup in that little tiny mirror (i never understood how you could what you were doing in that thing!). you were the glue to our family and the life and love and closeness to every gathering. i miss you everyday and i hope i’m making you proud. i love you