Mabel Lois Sullivan

Mabel Lois Sullivan, age 96, of Orleans, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020, under hospice care at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 10, 1924, in Lansing, Michigan, a daughter of William Austin and Etta Jane (Campbell) Flanders, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing with the Class of 1942. She then worked for Michigan State University as a Bookkeeper / Secretary in the Stores Department. She married James L. Sullivan on April 27, 1957, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lansing and became a full-time homemaker. Mabel enjoyed 37 years of marriage with Jim prior to his death in 1994. Mabel enjoyed many pastimes while raising their family including sewing, gardening, crafting and she would read on the occasion when she might find a few minutes of quiet time. She kept busy outside the home as well as an active church member at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Belding, where she was a member of the Ava Maria Guild and the Sisters In Christ. She also loved to travel throughout her life and in 2000, was able to travel to Rome for a Beatification event with her daughter and others. While sightseeing and touring, the rest of the group was amazed at how well she kept up, even at age 75. Mabel will be remembered most for her helping heart and hands, always willing to support any cause or person in need.
She leaves to cherish her memory children, Sr. Rebecca Sullivan, CSFN, of Des Plaines, Illinois, Michael J. Sullivan of Greenville, Michigan and Patricia (Mark) Winright of Orleans, Michigan; grandchildren Nicole (Will Brown) Haas, Adam (Rebecca) Haas and Ryan (Chrystl) Haas; step grandsons Ethan and Zachary Winright; great grandchildren Kyleigh, Iris, Annabelle, Logan and step great grandson Colton; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews; and several cousins and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four siblings, Glen, Frank, Aleatha and Margaret.
Visitation takes place on Friday evening, November 13, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Belding at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November with Fr. Jim Wyse the Celebrant. The family will greet visitors prior to Mass at the Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Mabel’s hope was that individuals would express sympathy by donating to The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth or St. Joseph Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at the services or by contacting the funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Verdun Funeral Home, Belding. For additional information call 616-794-1300 or visit www.verdunfh.com.