Ellen K. Sullivan, 78, of Frackville, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5th, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late John “Butch” and Catherine (Pastue) Simodejka. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Thomas M. Sullivan, who passed away earlier this year.

Ellen was a 1966 graduate of Nativity BVM High School. Following high school, she continued her education at Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1969.

Upon graduation, Ellen began her nursing career at NYU in New York City, followed by a nursing home in Bethlehem, PA. After returning to Schuylkill County, she and her husband, Thomas, established the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, continuing their commitment to serving families throughout the community.

Above all else, Ellen was a devoted mother and a woman of deep faith. She began her spiritual journey in the Byzantine Church and later converted to the Roman Catholic faith, which became an important part of her life. She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Frackville. Ellen also was a member of The Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Mothers' Guild of Cardinal Brennan High School. 

She chose to put her nursing career on hold so that she could pour her heart into raising her 5 children, believing that those years were too precious to miss. While raising her children, Ellen also shared her knowledge and passion for nursing by teaching evening nursing classes at the vocational school in Frackville. Once her children were all in school, she returned to nursing full-time, beginning a career with Fresenius Medical Dialysis Center in St. Clair, where she worked as a registered nurse for more than 20 years. 

Ellen enjoyed celebrating the Irish culture, which included multiple trips to Ireland with Tom. She also treasured nights out, including trying her luck at the casino. While she enjoyed playing the slots, Tom was perfectly content to stand beside her and watch, not quite sharing the same enthusiasm but enjoying her company. She was a wonderful cook who found deep satisfaction in preparing meals for her family and friends to bring everyone together around the table.

Ellen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and nurse. She took great pride in her family and was always there to support and care for those she loved. She was the anchor of her family, the quiet strength behind the scenes who gave so much of herself without ever seeking recognition. Her kindness, strength, compassion, and dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her five children: Thomas B. Sullivan and his wife, Melinda, of Myrtle Beach; Tara Campton and her husband, Tom, of Boiling Springs; Trisha Przyuski and her husband, John, of Center Valley; Tammy Murphy and her husband, Steve, of Dillsburg; and Timothy M. Sullivan and his wife, Brandy, of Fountain Springs.

She was the proud Nana of 10 loving grandchildren: Ryan, Aaron, Evan, Mason, Grace, Jack, Declan, Liam, Rylee, and Molly. She is also survived by a sister, Charlene Makara and her husband, Andrew, of Primrose, and a brother, John Simodejka and his wife, Karen, of Harrisburg. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 12th at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph the Worker Parish located at 49 N. Line Street, Frackville with Rev. Christopher Zelonis, pastor, as the celebrant.

Family and friends are invited to her viewing at the church on Monday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. A Panakyda service will be held at 9 a.m. with Fr. Paul Spotts. Interment will follow the mass in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in the Englewood section of Frackville. 

In accordance with her wishes, flowers are reserved around the casket from her family only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations/checks be made payable to the “Thomas M. Sullivan Scholarship” and sent to the funeral home at 501 W. Washington Street, Frackville, PA 17931. 

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville & Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.