Mary Ann Sullivan

Mary Ann Sullivan, 83, of Joplin MO passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the home of her daughter, Renee. Â Mary was born Jan 31, 1934 in Weir, KS to Joseph and Eva (Blake) Myers. Mary graduated from Weir High School and later received a Bachelor's degree from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. She held various positions in the medical field, and retired from Freeman Hospital (Joplin) after 20 years of service. She married the love of her life, Gerald L. Bruner in 1953, and together they had 3 children, Sheree, Renee, and Mark. Gerald was a helicopter pilot for the Army, and was severely injured while stationed in Germany. He subsequently passed away stateside after years of medical treatment. Mary later married James J. Sullivan and to this union was born one son, Stephen. Mary and her family resided in Webb City, MO for several years prior to moving to Joplin. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Webb City, and most recently, St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Joplin. Â She was a follower of Mother Theresa, Pope John Paul, and Pope Francis. She enjoyed keeping up with current events and politics, and was a kind, altruistic person who appreciated and respected the diversity of other cultures, races, religions, and individuals. She was an avid gardener and had a special place in her heart for her many rescue pets. Â She was a generous, loving and devoted mother, grandmother & great grandmother. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers David and Joe (Myers), sister Dorothy (Jones), and son Mark. She is survived by her daughters Sheree Bruner-Jacot and Renee Bruner Dean; son Stephen J Sullivan; 6 granddaughters, Lisa (Sam) Malik, Juliet Smith, Caitlin Smith, Aubrey Dean, Emily (Victor) Dean and Zoe Sullivan; 3 great grandchildren, Jackson, Ava and Roman; brother in law Donald Bruner; sister in law Dola Nelson; and several nieces and nephews. Family will accept visitors 30 minutes prior to the Holy Rosary ceremony, which will be held Friday, Nov 3, 2017 at 6:30pm at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Joplin. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, Nov 4, 2017 at 1pm also at St Peters, followed by a burial ceremony at Hosey Hill Cemetery, Weir KS (map directions will be given at the funeral to those who wish to attend). Mary's family extends special thanks to her brother in law, Donald Bruner and to Hospice Compassus for their compassionate assistance and care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Joplin Humane Society.

Mary Ann Sullivan

January 31, 1934 - October 19, 2017