June 12, 2023
Marguerite Barry Sullivan of Hingham died on May 24, 2023 at the Pat Roche House in Hingham, Massachusetts. She leaves their children Catherine Retzlaff (Michael) of Lone Tree, Colorado; Michael Sullivan (Joy)of New Providence, New Jersey; Siobhan Jackson (Hal) of Roswell, New Mexico; Dr. Peter Sullivan (Monique) of Portland, Oregon; Marie Sullivan of Dripping Springs, Texas; grandchildren Matthew Sullivan (Hope) and baby Sunday Joan Sullivan; Christopher Retzlaff; David Sullivan; and Camille Sullivan.
She is predeceased by her husband Roger W. Sullivan, sisters Frances Curry, Louise Cronin, Catherine Hooley, Mary Gildea, Anne Mooney Bullock, Alice Barry and brother Stephen Barry.
Mrs. Sullivan was born on March 7, 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury in 1946 and from Emmanuel College in 1950 with a BA in Mathematics. Following graduation, she worked in a radio physics lab testing nuclear fallout samples.
Marguerite married the great love of her life, Roger Sullivan, in 1953 just before he was deployed to Japan to work with the Army Counterintelligence Corps. When Roger entered the Foreign Service in 1956, she served with him as a Foreign Service wife at various diplomatic posts in Asia. Her role included planning and hosting elegant dinner parties for local dignitaries and American expatriates.
She ensured her children received an excellent education. When good local schools were not available, she homeschooled four of the children. Together with her husband and other expatriates, she helped start the Medan Joint Consulate School (now Medan International School).
After moving to Hingham in 1992, Mrs. Sullivan worked alongside her husband with the AARP Tax-Aide program to provide free tax help at senior centers on the South Shore. A member of the Hingham Yacht Club, she and her husband enjoyed sailing to Maine in the summers in their 33 ft. sloop.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday June 21st from 9:30-10:30 AM at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM followed by the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 11 AM. Luncheon to follow. Burial in MA National Cemetery, Bourne will take place the following day, June 22nd at 10:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Paul’s Churchin Hingham or the Hingham Food Pantry, 685 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043. See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.