Michelle (O'Heron) Sullivan

With great shock and sadness we share that Teresa Michelle Sullivan (ne O’Heron) (Michelle) passed away on September 13, 2023. She was a great giver: of homemade baked goodies, health care, school lessons and love.

Michelle was born on June 22, 1951 in Peterborough, Ontario the daughter of the late Teresa and Frank O’Heron though she would also first identify herself as an ‘East-City Girl’. She was the oldest of seven siblings (Frank O’Heron, Herb O’Heron, Greg O’Heron (Janis O’Heron), Cathy O’Heron-Slack (Ken Slack), Mary Robinson (Brent Robinson) and Chris O’Heron and gave her most to always try to lead this unruly and greatly loving pack. 

Michelle married Kevin Sullivan, her high school sweetheart, on August 31, 1973 and they created a life together that began with great adventure. Michelle attended nursing college at Toronto General Hospital and she worked at the Psychiatric Unit. Kevin and Michelle travelled the world greatly and lived in Australia where they also put down many roots.

Michelle’s immense kindness was matched only by her determination. She chose to earn her Bachelor’s of Science and Education degrees with four small children which was a feat she did for her family. Michelle was also an exceptional runner and athlete. Many friends and family have seen her running, then biking and then walking all around Peterborough. Michelle qualified for the Boston Marathan in her 60th year.  As she had just entered a new age group and the qualifying time was raised a few minutes she joked it was the best birthday present after spending years running half and full marathons. Michelle’s determination only grew with her age as she carried her health challenges, outwardly, with a nonchalance while in reality her struggles were great. Michelle’s hands may have been cold and her clothes layered but the warmth of her heart is what we remember now.

Her caring and generous personality served her well both as a Nurse and then subsequently as a teacher with PVNC School Board. Michelle’s dedication and kindness to students, their families and her school community allowed her to become a favourite teacher, colleague and cherished friend of old and young alike.

Following her retirement, Michelle filled her days to the most with early mornings spent at Peterborough YMCA swimming and then coffee with her loyal group of friends there. Special outings with the  ‘Norwood Group’ of friends and a wonderful close-knit group of neighbours on Manning Avenue were all so important to her.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin, of over fifty years. Their complete devotion to each other is inspiring to all who have known them.  They created a life together that was rooted completely in their faith focusing on family and service to others. Hours spent canoeing together, going to their cabin, and the Farmer’s Market brought Michelle much joy.

Michelle’s complete devotion extended to her four children who she was incredibly proud of, loved and supported unconditionally. Sarah Sullivan-Berardi (Anthony Berardi), Paddy Sullivan (Justine Lywood), Maggie Lamarche (Jeremy Lamarche) and Martha Sullivan (Lee Castiglione) and all of her eleven grandchildren Emily, Ella, Sam, Nate, Abe, Violet, Cordelia, Ollie, Fran, Joseph and Desmond are all feeling a great loss of such a pillar in their lives. Michelle will also be deeply missed by her extended family, friends and neighbours for whom she also played a meaningful and special role in their lives always remembering to send a birthday card, bake another batch of muffins or drop off treats. Her ability to make real connections with everyone from grandchildren to siblings and from Kevin’s support providers to farmers at the market is legendary. Michelle could never go anywhere quickly as there are hugs to be given and chatting to be done.

Visitation will be at Highland Park Funeral Centre on September 20, 2023 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Annes Church on September 21, 2023 at 11:00am with Fr. Sanyatson Seshaiahand and Fr. Bill Moloney officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Douro, Ontario and then a reception to follow at Highland Park. Donations: The family welcomes donations to the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign as an expression of sympathy.