Maureen Sullivan

Maureen “Reenie” Sullivan passed away unexpectedly in her home on September 6, 2020, due to natural causes.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny on Thursday, September 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be offered in Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private.

She was born April 7, 1954, in Jersey City, NJ to the late Gerard and Gertrude (Richter) Sullivan. Maureen was 66 at the time of her passing, but to anyone who knew her she was “39 forever!” With a personality that was larger than life, she will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, strong faith, legendary stories, and zest for life.
 

 Maureen was a champion of good and selflessly dedicated herself to her community. A devoted teacher of 40 years in the Newark, Jersey City, and East Orange School Districts, including most recently 30 years at Jackson Academy, she loved all her students as if they were her own children. Their hand-drawn masterpieces adorned her fridge at home, and she spoke often and at length about their achievements and those of the young teachers she mentored. In her free time, she volunteered at the Queen of Peace Food Pantry.  For over 20 summers she was a staple of the North Arlington Recreation Arts and Craft program.

Maureen never forgot a name and had an uncanny ability to remember every detail someone shared with her. Six months could pass between visits and she’d remember to ask how that school test went or if your niece had gotten the promotion she was hoping for. The 15-minute walk to her favorite restaurant, Roma, inevitably took 45-minutes so Maureen could stop and chat with friends and neighbors she saw along the way. She was unique in the care and love which she showered upon all those around her, going out her way to make others feel welcomed and appreciated.
 
 In death, Maureen is reunited with her parents, her Aunt Rita, her brother-in-law John Marsalisi, the Ancestors, and countless friends and neighbors that she considered family and devoutly cared for in their time of need. She is survived by her sister Anne (Sullivan) Marsalisi, nieces Michelle, Suzie, and Laura Marsalisi, nephew John Marsalisi, and naughty cats that only Maureen could love.
 
 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Maureen’s honor to Cameron Animal Rescue via Go Fund Me or Family Promise of Bergen County. Since Maureen always said “You can’t spell funeral without fun,” please wear bright colors as we celebrate her life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maureen Sullivan, please visit our floral store.