Catherine (Delaney) Sullivan

Catherine (Delaney) Sullivan, 90 of Wayne, PA died peacefully on Sunday January 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s. Born August 24, 1934 in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland, she was the daughter of the late John and Catherine (McCarthy) Delaney and the beloved wife of Thomas R. Sullivan, Jr.

As the eldest of five growing up in Ireland during World War II, her family life was simple but full of love and happiness. From an early age she knew if she worked hard, she would be sponsored to go to the United States by a great aunt who also came to New York as a young woman herself. Catherine graduated with honors from The Presentation Convent School, in Thurles and maintained a part time job as a book keeper which helped support her family.

At age 18, Catherine bravely left her family in Ireland in the search of opportunity. She emigrated to the United States to live with her great aunt and family in Freeport, NY. While there, she pursued secretarial studies and later moved to New York City. Catherine fully assimilated into American culture and proudly became a United States citizen in 1958 but kept that Irish twinkle in her eye. While in New York City she enjoyed visiting the museums and was a regular at Broadway shows. Catherine worked as an executive secretary for Milliken & Co., a textile producer to the fashion world. There she met her husband, Tom and they were married in 1960. Soon thereafter, they welcomed their daughter Catherine and three years later their son Michael.

Catherine spent the next years as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. The family lived in Larchmont and Pelham NY followed by many years in Greenwich CT. In her no fuss way, Catherine created a warm and inviting home. She enjoyed entertaining: dinner parties, having her children’s friends over and hosting afternoon teas. Catherine always enjoyed a good laugh and was an avid reader and continuous learner. She often had piles of books and newspapers in the family room - always in the midst of reading. She loved politics and classic movies. Catherine was a devoted Roman Catholic and made it her mission to befriend the elderly and widows at the local church. Throughout this time, Catherine traveled with her family to Ireland and Europe, thereby sharing her cultural roots.

Even though she was an ocean away from her homeland, she stayed in close contact with her parents and siblings from afar and visited them frequently.

After their children were grown, Catherine and Tom enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy. On St. Patrick’s Day in 1999, they were invited to be part of a small gathering with Pope John Paul II for mass in his private chapel followed by a private reception.

In 1999, after Tom retired, they relocated to Malvern, PA before moving in 2021 to BrightView Senior Living in Wayne.

Catherine is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband Tom, Catherine Sullivan McLaughlin (John) of Newtown Square, PA, Michael R. Sullivan (Amy) of Old Greenwich, CT and six grandchildren, Matthew J. Sullivan, Abigail M. Sullivan, Catherine M. (Thomas) Trankle, Elizabeth C. McLaughlin, John T. McLaughlin and Clare A.McLaughlin; and one brother, Michael (Breeda) Delaney of County Wexford, Ireland.

In addition to her parents, Catherine is predeceased by her brother Sean Delaney, and sisters Breeda Delaney and Josephine Kelly.

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing of Catherine on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 9:00AM-10:00AM at the Holy Saviour Church, 407 E. Main Street, Norristown, PA 19041. A Traditional Latin Requiem Mass will follow the viewing at 10:00AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Catherine to the Holy Saviour Church.

The Sullivan family is grateful for the loving care Catherine received from both the Bright View Memory Care Community and Ennoble Hospice Care. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Caramenico Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Please visitwww.CaramenicoFuneralHome.com to leave condolences.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Catherine (Delaney) Sullivan, please visit our floral store.