Theresa “Tessie” Anne (Spillane) Sullivan

Heaven was blessed September 20th, 2021, at 7:27pm with the arrival of Theresa “Tessie” Anne Spillane Sullivan. Devoted wife of one, loving mother of nine, sterling sister to seven, adoring grandmother of twelve, great-grandmother of one, delighted Aunt to forty-three, and cherished friend to hundreds. Who was Theresa Sullivan, Alex? Much more than the world’s longest running at home champion of Jeopardy.

She was born in San Francisco in 1926 and walked the Golden Gate Bridge on Opening Day. Officially Theresa died at 94, but her youthfulness was so embedded in her effervescent spirit, she had no age. She gave meaning to the words generous, kind, and considerate, not on occasion but consistently and without reserve. Theresa was a tireless advocate for mental health and a stalwart source of strength for victims of abuse.

Voted “Best Hair” in high school she maintained her luxurious mane until the end. When Theresa entered a room, she was the only one oblivious to her beauty, making her all the more so.

She shared a spirited and passionate romance with her husband of 53 years, Ken Sullivan. Ken was one of San Francisco’s finest. He protected the city he loved and fought for his country, enlisting in USMC at the age of 17. Theresa made it possible for Ken to escape the pressures of being “top cop” on the streets of San Francisco, knowing, each evening, he would be returning to a home full of laughter, love, and (a kind of) controlled chaos.

Theresa’s greatest joy came from her greatest achievement, raising nine uniquely spectacular children. Michael, Stephen, Martin, Brian, Gary, Phillip, Alan, Glenn and Julie. There were thousands of games to attend, recitals to watch, lessons to teach, tears to wipe, birthdays to celebrate, stiches sewn, casts to sign, and confidences to instill and rebuild. Theresa managed all with equal enthusiasm, as if each were the first and most important. All her children know they were secretly her favorite. Each of her grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces and nephews know the same. She found the best in everyone and focused on that quality until you saw it too. Theresa was a sports enthusiast, terrific dancer, terrible cook and enjoyed music as a world within itself. She loved travel and the exploration of different cultures and customs. Theresa insisted on a bi-lingual household and to this day the Sullivan family shares a fluency in both English and Pig Latin. Theresa adored animals and relied on the consul of Spike O. Sullivan, her Coton de Tulear, best friend and confidante. Spike was by her side in her last moments.

If you feel moved to do so, the family is requesting donations be made in Theresa’s honor to:

The PAW K-9 Cover Your K-9 Fund

“Cover Your K-9” Fund c/o the Police and Working K-9 Foundation

P.O. 620629 Woodside, CA 94062 Or donate on-line on the fund website http://coveryourk9.org/