Janet Helen Sullivan

Janet Helen Sullivan (Johnson) passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023, surrounded by love and family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of forty-four years, Robert C. Sullivan; her parents, Harry and Helen Johnson; and her infant sister, Julie Anne Johnson. Janet was born on May 28, 1940 in Saint Paul, MN. During World War II, while her father served in the Navy, she and her mother lived with relatives in South Dakota, Montana, Texas, and North Dakota. When her father was discharged in 1945, the family reunited in St. Paul and soon welcomed a baby brother, James, who adored his big sister and remained devoted to her throughout her life. Janet attended high school at Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul and went on to graduate from Marquette University in 1962. After time as a social worker, she married Bob in 1966 and focused on raising their four children in Edina. She returned to school and earned a master's degree in psychology from the College of St. Thomas in 1986, then worked as a licensed psychologist specializing in care for children and their parents. She generously applied her talents at the Wilder Foundation, Catholic Charities, Edina Public Schools, and Our Lady of Grace Church and School. Janet had a large and beloved circle of friends, many of whom she had known for decades through her retreat group, book clubs, neighborhood, and counseling work. They treasured her for her kindness, wisdom, and spirituality. Janet was an avid reader of literature, current events, and the poems of Mary Oliver. She loved baking, gardening, classical music, world travel, and family trips to the North Shore. Her home was the center of activity for her children and grandchildren, and she made wonderful traditions of family gatherings, including epic Christmas cookie decorating contests. Janet is survived by her dear brother James Johnson of Westlake, FL, and his wife, Marie Ange, and her children and grandchildren: Andrew Sullivan and his partner Tina Hilden of Eagan; David Sullivan and his wife Patsa of Shorewood, and their children Liam, Nolan, and Kiera; Suzanne Ursu and her husband John of Golden Valley, and their children Clara, Chloe, and Elodie; Shannon Field and her husband Charles of Needham, Massachusetts, and their children Lilian, Reeves, and Pierce. Her life was graced by many other beloved friends and family, including nephew Christopher Johnson and niece Bridget Bowes and their families. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30am at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina on Friday, November 3. Visitation begins one hour before at 9:30am, and there will be a luncheon at the church following the mass. Family-only burial service will be at Resurrection Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her dear husband, Bob. Memorials in Janet's honor may be given to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO).

Tributes

Janet Helen Sullivan

May 28, 1940 - October 21, 2023

Tributes

Janet Helen Sullivan

May 28, 1940 - October 21, 2023

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