Joan C. Sullivan

RUTLAND - Joan C. Sullivan, 77, of Rutland, MA, passed away Thursday, March 30th after a brief illness. She was the daughter of Helen D. Urbanovitch and the late Carl Gibbons. Joan was born in Holden, and lived in Rutland most of her life. She was a crossing guard, and later a school bus driver in Rutland for many years. Many years later, folks would often approach her in stores and restaurants, and say, “Mrs. Sullivan, I remember you; you used to pick me up for Kindergarten!” Joan also worked as a CNA at Lincoln Nursing Home, Rutland Heights Hospital, Worcester County Hospital, and Wachusett Extended Care. Joan was a born nurturer, and was at her best when she was helping others. During the last 4 months, while a resident at Holden Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, she continued to spread joy and brighten the day of those around her, both staff and fellow residents alike, with a wave, a touch of her hand, a warm greeting, a few words of encouragement and her wide, infectious smile. In the last few days, many staff members stopped by her room to share their own special “Joanie” stories with us. She had truly become part of the HNH family! Joan’s faith was very important to her, and she was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Rutland. She also had a special devotion to St. Jude. Joan leaves her mother, Helen Urbanovitch; her brother, Robert Gibbons and his wife, Lois of Stafford, VA; three daughters, Susan Adamski and her husband, Michael of Rutland, Patti Kemp of Albuquerque, NM, JoAnn Sullivan of Gastonia NC; and her son, John Kemp and his wife, Linda of Nassau, NY. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Rachel Kemp, James and Brendan Rutherford, Ray Philips and his wife, Bonnie, Crystal Dudley and her husband, Jeremy; as well as four great-grandchildren, Matthew Kemp, Lucy and Mason Dudley, and Jennifer Phillips. Joan also leaves a niece, Tara Appelbaum; a great niece, Heather Titlton and her husband, Nathan; and great nephew, Andrew Appelbaum and his wife, Bridgette. In addition to her father, Joan is pre-deceased by her step-father, Peter Urbanovitch, Sr. and her brother, Peter Urbanovitch, Jr. Joan’s family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Holden Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their extraordinary care and their compassion in making Joan a member of their family. In accordance with her expressed wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. At a later date a Memorial Service will be scheduled at St. Patrick’s Church in Rutland. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com