Virginia Sullivan

Virginia A. Sullivan, 97, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2020 after a brief illness. She was a strong, loving, talented and cheerful woman who lived a full, happy life, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Virginia was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Henry and Florinda Gomez. She graduated from St. Rose of Lima High School and worked in New York City during World War II. In August 1945 she married her husband, William J. Sullivan, immediately upon his return from the war. They resided in Poughkeepsie, NY, raising a family and being involved in many activities. Virginia was a secretary for the Arlington School District, retiring in 1978.

After 25 years of retirement in Florida, Virginia moved to Raleigh in 2006 to be near family. She was a devoted and active parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She was enormously talented with needlework, knitting, counted cross-stitch and crocheting, and made hundreds of items for the church’s Prayer Shawl ministry. Always giving of her time, she taught many people these hobbies, and how to master complex stitches and patterns. Throughout her life, she was involved in clubs and activities, often taking on leadership roles. Virginia was an avid reader. Every morning, she enjoyed reading her daily newspaper and solving the Cryptogram.

Virginia adored her family and was an example of faith, strength and love. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 46 years, William, in 1992, and brothers Arthur and Donald Gomez. She is survived by her children, Joan Adams and husband Dennis, of Raleigh; William Sullivan and wife Patricia, of Durham; grandchildren Matthew Adams, Jeffrey Adams, Kelly Andrew and husband Troy, Erin Naberhaus and husband Robert; great-grandchildren Heidi and Cameron Adams, McKenna, Greyson and Callan Andrew, and Gareth Naberhaus; brother Francis Gomez, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral services are private for the immediate family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of one’s choice.