Obituary for Ms. Mildred "Lynn" Sullivan

Lyn Gaffney Sullivan, resident of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 4, 2022 at Bridgeport Hospital.

Lyn was the oldest of three daughters born to Dr. Charles B. Gaffney of New Britain, CT and Pearl Barry Gaffney of Belmond, IA. Lyn’s father set up his medical practice out of their home on Brooklawn Avenue, where her mother supported the practice as a trained nurse. Devout Catholics, Lyn attended and graduated from St Augustine School, often walking the long distance because her parents were working. She graduated from Bassick High School where she was a member of the cheerleading squad and an accomplished dancer and pianist, performing alongside her sisters in numerous recitals. She attended Good Counsel College in White Plains, NY graduating with a degree in chemistry.

Lyn’s dream was to be a medical doctor like her father, but his premature death required her to begin work immediately upon graduation to help support her family. She worked as a polymer chemist at the R.T. Vanderbilt Company in East Norwalk, a pioneer woman in a STEM career. She loved working in the chemistry lab on various experiments involving rubber, plastics and explosives.

Soon after she met the love of her life, David Sullivan Jr., an attorney in Bridgeport, at a Catholic Graduates of CT event. They married in May 1960 after which Lyn turned her focus to raising her family. A dedicated wife, she supported her husband throughout his career as an attorney, politician and banker. They settled in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport where they lived for over 40 years. Lyn was very involved in the lives of her three children, always supporting them, their schools and their fundraisers. She drove countless carpools, attending sporting events and many school activities and outings. In addition, Lyn gave back to her community by volunteering with the Dogwood Festival, Saint Ann’s School, the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony and AAUW. Upon becoming an empty nester she served as a substitute teacher in the Easton Public School System.

Never one to sit idle, Lyn was an avid tennis player at the Black Rock Yacht Club and once her children were older she worked to become an accomplished golfer, the proud owner of three holes in one at Brooklawn Country Club. Later in life she enjoyed her Friday evening dinners at BRYC and spending time with her Bassick classmates.

Above all else, she loved being with her children and grandchildren. Lyn was a selfless and devoted mother and grandmother who knew it took a village to raise a child. As her own children pursued their careers, Lyn made it her mission to be available to her family and gave of herself in babysitting her grandchildren and attending their various activities.

Lyn is survived by her children Kathleen and husband Tom Farrell of Atlanta, GA, David and his wife Dr. Gioia Riccio of Westport CT, and daughter in law Vicky of Coronado, CA. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Brendan, Molly and Thomas Farrell, Timothy and Francesca Sullivan, as well as Lexy and Katie Sullivan. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Nagle of Stamford, CT and Barbara Madigan of Birmingham, MI., her brother in law Donal Sullivan and his wife Martha, sister in law Dr. Edith V. Sullivan, and Jan Shannahan, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband David J Sullivan Jr, and her sons Thomas and Michael.

The Spear Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield, CT is in charge of arrangements, at the request of the family services will be private. Memorials may be directed to the Sullivan Family Fund at the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation 40 Richards Ave, Norwalk CT 06854 or https://fccfoundation.org/