Linda (Cote) Sullivan

Linda (Cote) Sullivan, a longtime Amesbury resident, passed away peacefully at RiverWoods Retirement Community in Exeter, NH, surrounded by her family on June 30, 2024. The eldest daughter of the late Romeo and Helen (Demarse) Cote, Linda was born on May 7, 1942, in her grandparent’s home in Amesbury, MA, of which she eventually made her family home with her husband, the late Ed Sullivan. In this cherished home, Linda raised their three children and welcomed family, friends, and neighborhood children, and, later, her beloved grandchildren. Linda strove to create a home that was a place of gatherings and refuge for her family and friends.

In 1948, Linda met Ed in the first grade at St. Joseph’s School in Amesbury, they graduated from Amesbury High School in 1960, and married in 1963. Linda was active in the Holy Family Parish of Amesbury – formally, Sacred Heart Church. Her faith in God, which she imparted to her children through her example of love, service, and commitment to her church, played a fundamental role in her life and is a generational legacy she leaves behind. Linda volunteered at her children’s parochial schools by serving in the library, the cafeteria, and as a chaperone on field trips. She was the mom who was always there! Her children are very grateful for her example, as she poured out love to every child – especially, those with challenges.

Linda enjoyed preparing a family member’s favorite meal or dessert to raise their spirits or to celebrate their birthday. Whether it was her famous chicken noodle soup or her blueberry pie – Ed’s favorite – it was created with love.

Creating things of beauty to display in her home or to give to a loved one was something she immensely enjoyed. Her talents were displayed in her sewing, ceramics, counted cross-stitch, and macrame. Linda was also a member of local quilting guilds, in which she frequently traveled to Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Poised with grace, trust, and empathy, Linda always remembered the littlest detail to ensure her loved ones were happy, safe, and comfortable. Being a nurturing grandmother was her heart’s delight! She will also be remembered for the grit and perseverance she demonstrated despite her longtime illness.

Her three children will lovingly remember Linda: Michael Sullivan and wife, Anne Marie; Laurie Lawliss and husband, Bill; and Brian Sullivan and wife, Heidi Erdmann-Sullivan, all of Amesbury. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Lorraine Sanborn, and husband, Jack of Amesbury; grandchildren Julia Lawliss, David Sullivan, Carolyn Sullivan, and Max Sullivan; and nephew, Stephen Sanborn, his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Mariana and Elena.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 10:30 AM in Holy Family Parish, 2 School Street, Amesbury, MA 01913. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, a cause near and dear to her heart: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements were made by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury.