August 14, 1930 ~ May 5, 2021
Phoenix – RoseAnn Sullivan, 90 years old, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2021. Rose Ann was born in Philadelphia, PA, to Joseph and Bessie Bachinger and enjoyed growing up, with her sisters, Mary Louise and Maggi, in a small country suburb, where her days were filled with family time, gardening, church life, academics, boating, raising chickens, the theater, music, and spending time with her beloved dog, Flush.
A young RoseAnn fell in love when she “pinned” wings on the United States Airforce graduating Pilot, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. Daniel and RoseAnn married and eventually were stationed at Williams Air Force Base, in Mesa, Arizona, and thus began the next 70 years of the Sullivan Family story.
Eventually settling in the Arcadia neighborhood, RoseAnn raised her family of five children: Daniel J. Sullivan III (Christa, passed in 2019), Kevin M. Sullivan, Diane Dunham (Scott), Karen A. Seabert (Steve) and Kathleen Casten (passed in 2015). Over the years, RoseAnn volunteered for many organizations and was actively involved in the Visiting Nurse Service Auxiliary, the Desert Botanical Gardens, an avid bird watcher, home designer, a follower of world politics, a wonderful friend to many, and was devoted to championing her children’s, goals, dreams and aspirations. RoseAnn returned to college in 1977 and graduated top of her class at Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. RoseAnn enjoyed many years as a top residential designer in the Phoenix area, was a Professor at Arizona State University teaching the history of furniture, traveled domestically and internationally, an incredible hostess, accomplished chef in her own right, and an avid Gardner who enjoyed turning her family yard into a beautiful garden retreat.
RoseAnn was ahead of her time, and a role model of leadership and support for her children and all who knew her. RoseAnn’s Grandchildren: Meggan, Mason, Makel, and Kellsie, along with Great-Granddaughter: Dillon Rae, were the absolute joy of her life. Grace, love, elegance, and a classical style of beauty sum up the many qualities of RoseAnn. We sadly say goodbye to our Mom, Granny, and Great Grandma. With gratitude and honor, we say, “To a life well lived, a full journey, may you now be our angel in heaven and rest in peace with the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God our Lord.” We will miss you.
Private Services will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona. Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphfuneralhome.com
Sheri Lacro
RoseAnn meant so much to the Shapiro family. Her grace and style. We enjoyed activities given at her beautiful home. Phyllis and RoseAnn were great friends. We have so many memories of growing up in the Ingleside/Arcadia area. We feel your loss. I know RoseAnn is with Phyllis and Irwin catching up.