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RaNae Green (Palmer)
OBITUARY FOR JUDY RUTH HARTMAN SULLIVAN
Judy H. Sullivan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend transitioned peacefully surrounded by family and caregivers in Boise, ID on Saturday June 17, 2023 of Alzheimers. Judy was born in Niagara Falls, NY on April 18, 1943, to Margaret E. and Arthur "Art" E. Hartman and grew up in Pocatello, ID, with her two brothers, John "Jack" (Madeline) and Lee (Gayle). She attended school at Whittier Elementary, Alameda Jr. High, and Pocatello High School. She was an active member of Job's Daughters and the high school drill team. It was at Poky High that Judy met the love of her life, Dennis L. Sullivan. Their life-long commitment spanned 65 years to include two children, two states, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and many dear friends.
Judy and Dennis were married July 31, 1960 and welcomed their first daughter, Robin Jo, on March 14, 1961. Their second daughter, Becky Lynn, was born January 8, 1967. Once the girls were school-age, Judy began her career in education at Whittier Elementary, first as a lunch lady, then as a teacher's aide, and finally as school secretary.
In 1980, Judy and Dennis took the opportunity to move to Sterling, IL, where Judy continued her career as a secretary, first at Clistic School for disabled children and then at Self-Help Enterprises. In 1990 Judy and Dennis returned to Idaho, settlng up residence in Boise. Judy continued to work with children, first at Hillside Jr. High, then Le Boise Jr. High and finally at White Pine Elementary where she stayed until her retirement in 2006. Judy is remembered for her devotion to children, her dependability her humor, and her empathy.
The little family Judy and Dennis created grew to include Michael Vincent Face when Robin and Vinni married on August 2, 1986. In 1990, they welcomed their first grandchild, Nico. Granddaughter Kylie soon followed in 1992. Becky married Benjamin E. Ford in 1998, and two more grandchildren were welcomed into the family - Ian in 2001 and Joseph in 2005. Judy adored her grandchildren and celebrated when Kylie married Ryan Ricks in 2019. Judy and Dennis are also blessed with nieces and nephews Chad Hartman (Bella), Kate Bacon (Stephen), Mindy Bloom, David Hartman, Michadel Sullivan, and Stefany Zimmerman (Steve). Judy is survived by her cousin, Linda Hoffman, and in-laws Steve and Judy Sullivan.
By 2012 , Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimers, but was able to continue living at home and participating in family milestones until the fall of 2021. At that time, Judy moved to Edgewood Springs Memory Care facility in Boise where she quickly became a staff favorite. She was lovingly cared for by the staff at Edgewood with daily visits by family until her transition in June 2023.
Judy had an amazing spirit which drew people to her, and she had many devoted friends throughout her life. Gayle Leonard Hartman (Lee) was technically her sister-in-law, but truly was a sister and best friend since 1967. And while we wish to acknowledge each of her friends by name, they are so numerous we are afraid to leave someone out. Whether neighbor, colleague, book club member, retired lunch bunch, or dear friend, please know that Judy loved you and dearly missed you as the years passed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library https://imaginationlibrary.com in memory of Judy's love of children and books, to Hospice Foundation of America https://hospicefoundation.org in honor of All Care Hospice of Boise which made Judy's final two years comfortable, or the Alzheimers Association https://www.alz.org/ to help end this cruel disease which took Judy too soon.
*Judy's middle name was Ruth, but she referred to herself as Judy H. in honor of her family name Hartman. (Relyea Funeral Home of Boise)
RIP Judy
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