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Lyn Sullivan Obituary

Lyn Sullivan was born October 18, 1941 to Patrick and Ruth Sullivan in Boston, MA, and died October 18, 2005 after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her daughters: Julia Coyne of Chicago, IL and Treffly Coyne Janecyk of Tinley Park, IL; her granddaughter, Phoebe Sullivan Janecyk; and many devoted friends. Lyn worked in the music department at Colorado College for 25 years. In addition to making young musicians feel welcome, she was active on many committees, including: the Diversity Council and Women's Concerns. She was awarded the CC "Wiltsie" Women's Leadership Award, as well as the Center for Community Service Award. She is also a past winner of the Colorado Springs Bar Association's "Liberty Bell" Award. Lyn was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Colorado Springs and supported many community agencies. She was instrumental in the formation of TESSA (formerly the Center for the Prevention of Domestic Violence) and of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), serving as president of both boards. She also served on the board of Partners in Housing and collaborated with CC on the donation of three houses to "The Hill" project. A memorial service for Lyn will be held Friday, October 21, at 8:00 a.m. at Shove Chapel on the Colorado College campus. Inurnment will be at a later date in County Cork, Castletownbere, Ireland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 80903; TESSA, P.O. Box 2662, 80901; or CASA, 701 S. Cascade, 80903.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Oct. 21, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Lyn Sullivan

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6 Entries

Barbara Sullivan

October 30, 2005

Our loss at this is only is only lightened knowing you are in the arms of our parents

Lovingly your sister Barbara

Patricia West

October 30, 2005

Lyn's older sister, will greatly miss her love, laughter and caring.

She was an important part of my life and I am a better person for having her share it. I will miss her but know she is in the loving arms of our parents.

October 29, 2005

Lyn is also survived by loving family in Massachusetts, including her brothers William and Robert Sullivan, and her sisters Patricia West and Barbara Sullivan

Ross and Sue Gubser

October 26, 2005

As additional "Sister/Brother Friends", we also treasure Lyn's spontaneous outpouring of love and care. Sue met her at a Ft. Carson Wives' Club Tea. They parked next to each other and Sue noticed that Lyn had her white gloves with her. Being an Air Force wife (more casual service), Sue didn't even think of bringing gloves. Without batting an eye, Lyn said, "Here, take one of mine!" That, to us, is the essence of Lyn - she gave and gave and gave in our friendship. During the 19 years she lived with cancer, she taught us never to complain about anything. We never heard her say "Why me?" once, nor complain about pain, or fear, or the next treatment.



Lyn, we miss you. Julia and Treffly, you give all of us the gift of her presence through your mannerisms and laughter and love.

Nancy Brummett

October 23, 2005

It's a blessing to have even one person in our lives who is not just a friend, but a "sister friend." Sister friends can disagree with one another's choices, argue loudly, and still love one another. Sister friends show up when you need them without being asked. Sister friends love your children and grandchildren like their own, and are quick to focus on all their positive traits. Sister friends lend you jewelry and "forget" to ask for it back. Lyn was such a friend to me.



Lyn had high expectations of herself, her friends, her daughters, just about everyone with whom she came in contact. We all disappointed her at some time or another, but we're all stronger, better people because she believed in us and expected the best from us. We'll remember her in a million ways--some grand and some small. If you want to honor her, remember: Don't just enter a room when with a little more effort you can make an entrance! Stand up straight and smile. Any story worth telling at all, "To tell you the truth," is worth telling with your hands. If you need a new dress, buy something basic at Ross or T.J. Maxx and then accessorize the heck out of it. Big jewelry, scarves, belts--no limits! If you go to Santa Fe, browse the shops but buy at the Flea Market--and never, never pay retail for anything! Order huevos rancheros at every meal and insist that the eggs be a bit runny.



Lyn was a bit of a spiritual chameleon, which is one way she connected with so many different people. However, at her core was a deep, abiding faith in God and a close relationship with Him. Her favorite prayer was the prayer of St. Patrick's Breastplate, part of which reads: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.



Godspeed, my sister friend.

Victor Gelner

October 22, 2005

To Lyn's Family,

I had the privilege of knowing Lyn and served with her on various committees at Colorado College. You have my deepest sympathy during your time of sorrow.

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