Mary Ellen Sullivan, age 76, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Joseph R. and Fay Lentini.
Mary Ellen is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 55 years, retired Judge Paul J. Sullivan; her daughter, Erin (Dino Omens) Sullivan; her son, Colin (Sara) Sullivan; her beloved grandson, Sam Omens; her brother, LTC J. Robert (Sandra Piech) Lentini II, Ret; her sister, Judith (James) Martin; and several cherished nieces and nephews.
Mary Ellen attended Marywood Academy and went on to receive her BSN degree at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She was a licensed Registered Nurse in both Pennsylvania and Michigan where she worked as a maternity nurse. She was one of the first nurses in Michigan to be certified as a Legal Nurse Consultant and worked for various law firms and attorneys.
A woman of deep faith, she took Religious Studies graduate courses at Aquinas College and served for a time as Director of Religious Education at St. Stephen Catholic Church. Her interest in government eventually led her to join the local staffs of Congressman Vern Ehlers and State Senator Bill Hardiman.
A woman who took pride in service, Mary Ellen served as president of the Clark Retirement Community and Opera Grand Rapids boards. She also served on the boards of St. Mary’s Hospital (now Trinity Health St. Mary’s), Catholic Social Services, Kent County Community Mental Health, and the Pine Rest Foundation. Her love for music also led to her membership in various choral organizations such as the Grand Rapids Symphonic Choir, and several parish choirs including that of St. Paul the Apostle.
Family will greet friends and relatives from 2-4pm & 6-8pm on Friday, July 17, 2026, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, with visitation one hour prior. Fr. Peter Damian presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
The family wishes to express its admiration for and thanks to the caring staff of Clark Retirement Community, especially those in the Skilled Nursing Unit.
In lieu of flowers, those so wishing are encouraged to contribute in Mary Ellen’s memory to the Clark Foundation or the St. Mary’s (Hospital) Foundation.
9 Responses
Certainly a candidate for the sweetest and nicest and most loving person I’ve met. I was so lucky to have her as my Aunt. Aunt Mary to me. She and her family are most dear to me. The Angels are very lucky to have her company.
Mary Ellen was an accomplished medical professional and public servant. She is missed by all who knew her. Our deepest condolences to the Sullivan and Lentini families on their loss. Paul, Erin, Colin and Mary Ellen’s brother Bob, sister Judy, grandson, nephews and nieces are all in our thoughts. Kathleen Schloeder, Richard Tenney
What a beautiful person inside and out. I have some very fond memories of my Aunt Mary. Memories of going to the beach, which she didn’t really enjoy because of the sand getting everywhere, going to the pool, hanging out at Green Ridge and then Egypt Valley, making homemade Christmas ornaments, carving pumpkins, going to Robinettes for cinnamon donuts and cider. Letting me come and hang out after school to play with Colin and Erin pretty much anytime I wanted. She had the voice of an angel singing in the church choir and around the house as she did chores. I have so many wonderful memories hanging out with the Sullivans too many to list here. I miss you tons and love you lots Aunt Mary.
Mary Ellen was a beautiful, loving and dear friend to my husband, Joe and me. Our friendship goes back 50 years, beginning when we moved to Grand Rapids. We raised our children together and later traveled to Europe together. She and Paul were always there to help us after our auto accident, helping us to recover our life. It was an honor and blessing to have been a friend of Mary Ellen.
Mary Ellen was just godmother, and I have many fond memories of her from growing up. She was a wonderful and beautiful person, inside and out. I am sending all my love.
My sister, Shelly, & I were attending the Grand Rapids School of Bible & Music. Shelly’s RA had other obligations so asked us if we’d be interested in babysitting for the Sullivan’s. We said we would and when I saw Mary Ellen pushing the stroller to meet us, it was love at first sight. I instantly fell in love with her & her beautiful family. Everything I know, I learnt from Mary Ellen. She taught me how to clean, how to tend to children, how to entertain, etc. I wanted to pattern my life after Mary Ellen. She was such a kind soul who always had a smile and never said a mean word. I was an extremely shy person so when a job opened up at Twohey Maggini, she asked me if I’d like to come in for an interview. Her boss was just as nice as she was. I accepted the job and stayed on for 43 years. You were my guardian angel, Mary Ellen. God sent you to me and I am so thankful that He did. I will love you & your sweet family always.
This is very sad and brings tears but know she was a strong woman of God. We pray for her and all her family at this time of grief but know that she knew The Lord. Mrs. Sullivan was the mother of a good friend Collin who dates back to St Stephens 1st grade or so. She was just a great person with a soft touch and never came off abrasive. Anyone who got to know her was blessed to have her cross their path. Eternal rest to her O Lord. Thank you Mrs. Sullivan for being a ray of light to this world.
I was terribly sorry to learn from Paul of Mary Ellen’s illness and passing. We go back to Paul’s Washington, DC days, travels home to NH in snow storms with friend Tom Barry, lovely gatherings with angel Mary Ellen who was even more beautiful than this lovely photo projects, and even more gentle, kind and compassionate than any one of us can express. I am sorry for everyone’s loss, for the voids now felt, for the warmth now missing.
Mary Ellen had a great sense of adventure. When the four of us went to a blockbuster movie almost fifty years ago, the two of us smuggled in popcorn and snacks while our husbands went for fast food-also contraband.
Although soft spoken, she was always agreeable for a caper or two. I extend my condolences to the Sullivan and Lentini families as they grieve the death of Mary Ellen.