Joan Ida Sullivan, 85, of Kingston

Joan Ida Sullivan, 85, of Kingston, N.Y., passed peacefully on Oct. 1, 2016, at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck, N.Y., surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 27, 1931, in Waltham, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Leroy Michael and Irene Edna Lawrence.

She attended Waltham High School. Over the course of her lifetime, Joan wore many hats, from factory worker, to waitress, to housekeeper and head cook at Deising’s Restaurant. However, none can compare with the role she held as devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Joan was married for 64 years to the love of her life, Philip Sullivan, whom she met at the tender age of 16. She was a fabulous cook, immaculate homemaker and excellent hostess. She had a knack for making every person who entered her home feel welcome. Joan had a compassionate and loving nature. She loved to entertain, attend dinner dances, travel, play late-night penny ante games, but most of all she adored spending time with her family and dearest friends. Though her family mourns her loss, they take great comfort in knowing that she is at peace and reunited with her husband.

She is survived by nine children: Kathleen (William) Ball, Thomas (Tammy) Sullivan, Patricia Clausi, Mary (Stephen) Naccarato, Kevin (Kathy) Sullivan, Brenda (Jack) Fortner, Joan (John) Deuire, Irene (Paul) Stauble, and Eileen (Theodore) Hofbauer. She is also survived by her 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Philip Anthony Sullivan, and two grandsons, Daniel Michael Ball and Michael Thomas Clausi, along with her sisters, Arlene, Agnes and Phyllis, and her brother, LeRoy

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home Inc., 27 Smith Ave., Kingston. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, at St. Mary’s Church, Broadway, Kingston, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dutchess/Ulster Regional Office, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601-4060.

The Sullivan family would like to thank the loving, supportive staff at the Baptist Home for the care they provided their mother.