Kathleen Mary Sullivan, 72, of Mequon, Wisconsin died Friday, March 24, 2023 surrounded by her husband (Timothy), children (Anne and Stephen), and sister (Mary). In the weeks of uncertainty leading up to her death, she enjoyed visits and support from her family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. She greeted all six of her grandchildren with bright blue eyes and a warm smile on Thursday afternoon before slipping away peacefully throughout the next day.

Born in Bloomington, Illinois to Frances and Eugene Larkin on Thanksgiving Day—November 23, 1950. The middle of five children, Kathy was a naturally born peace keeper—easy going, forgiving, patient and level headed. She attended Central Catholic High School (Class of 1968) before pursuing her bachelor's degree at Marycrest College in Davenport, IA. She married Timothy J. Sullivan of Chicago, IL on January 17, 1976 at Trinity Catholic Church in Bloomington, IL. The pair enjoyed 47 years of marriage, six states of residence, two children, and endless adventures. Kathy returned to college after having her children to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. She spent nearly 25 years working at St. Joseph's Hospital in West Bend and the outpatient rehab clinic (now Froedtert). She loved patient care, found lifelong friendships with the people she worked with, and genuinely enjoyed her job every day.

Being a mom (and later a grandma) was what Kathy was best at and brought her the most joy. She was at every event, game, concert, and practice with snacks in tow for everyone. The back of her Suburban was always brimming with bags, balls, boots, books, and baggage ready. She looked forward to pictures, videos, FaceTiming, and visits with her grandkids. She loved Christmas and the challenge to find perfect gifts—wrapping them neatly and always with bows—and then reveling in the anticipation and joyful frenzy as her children (then grandchildren) tore them open. She was an exceptional cook—her meals were always intuitively prepared with plenty for everyone.

Kathy loved to travel both domestically and internationally. She enjoyed road trips to take in beautiful views and explore new places—no trek was too long! National parks, cities, historical tours of Europe, culinary adventures, people watching around the world, and a few National-Lampoon's-family-vacation-esque moments filled her memories. The warm sunshine, sandy beaches, and salty sea air of Florida was the destination she was happiest. A book was never far from her reach and she would regularly be found down by the river reading her Nook and enjoying the fresh air.

Kathy was exceedingly kind, never judgmental, accepting of anyone and anything. There was always room at her table and she strived to make sure everyone felt comfortable and valued. Beautiful selflessness was her way of life—always making sure every individual was taken care of. She was calm in every crisis—never raising her voice and always reassuring us all that everything would be alright. Some mom's might freak out when a child would color on the walls, but Kathy would frame and treasure it as art more valuable than a VanGogh. She displayed every trinket, flower, stone, or picture from her grandchildren as treasured gifts. She was the parent, spouse, and friend we all aspire to be more like.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her father Eugene Larkin, mother Frances (née McKern) Larkin, and brother Stephen Larkin. She will be dearly missed by her husband Timothy Sullivan, daughter Anne Toth (Justin), son Stephen Sullivan (Maria, née Shammo), grandchildren Brennan, Keegan, Declan, Kaylin, Ava, and Caleb, brothers Michael Larkin (Ann) and Patrick Larkin (Sue), sister Mary Larkin, sisters-by-marriage Eileen Barton and Mary Oesterle (Gerry), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30PM on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Eernisse's Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012.  The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 11:00am until the time of service. Lunch and refreshments will be offered throughout.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating in Kathleen Sullivan's honor to Family Sharing of Ozaukee County (www.familysharingozaukee.org  or 1002 Overland Ct. Grafton, WI 53024) or bring a kindness rock/shell to the funeral home with you.