Jacqueline M (Sullivan) Sullivan

Jacqueline Mary Sullivan, of Westfield, MA, died peacefully on March 13, 2023, at the age of 69. Jackie was born in Boston, MA, on January 18, 1954. Raised in West Roxbury, she graduated from Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA, in 1971. Jackie came to western Massachusetts to attend UMass Amherst, where she earned a degree in early childhood education. While working as a nursing assistant at Noble Hospital in Westfield, Jackie decided to go to Holyoke Community College to earn her associate degree in nursing, graduating in 1979. She married Jeff Vanden-Bulcke on May 31,1980, in the backyard of their home in Westfield. At Monson State Hospital, Jackie was a developmental daycare specialist; this paved the way for her to get a job at Western Mass Hospital in Westfield. She worked at this hospital for over 35 years, retiring in 2015. Jackie loved the beach, her favorite being Parkwood Beach in Wareham, MA, where her grandfather had built a home. Jackie spent most summers there as a child, and throughout adulthood, she enjoyed bringing her family and friends there. Jackie also loved to garden and would enjoy taking friends and acquaintances on a tour of her backyard, where she had built many flower beds and walking paths. She also loved to sit in the sun, enjoy the fresh air, and listen to the birds chirping. Jackie loved to take care of anyone–including animals. Whether helping her children’s friends or neighborhood friends with a place to live, she always made sure that they were provided for. She loved animals and owned almost every kind and sometimes at the same time: cats that were black, dogs that were black (specifically Belgian Sheepdogs), and birds of various colors. Her home always stood out during a holiday–decorated with lights, window decorations, flags, or windsocks (she loved watching things move in the wind). Her favorite holiday was Halloween, and she loved to surprise her colleagues and patients with the most outrageous costumes. Jackie is survived by her children, Scott Vanden-Bulcke and Lauren LeClair; Lauren’s husband, Daniel LeClair; her granddaughter, Lydia LeClair; her sisters, Ann Sullivan and Michele Sullivan; and brother, Christopher Sullivan. She is predeceased by her husband, Jeffrey Vanden-Bulcke; her mother, Ann (Billotte) Sullivan; her father, George Sullivan; her sisters Kathleen Prins and Therese Sullivan; and her pets–cats: Mittens, Bonnie Boo Butler, Patches, Midnight, Wilson, and Sully (Fat Cat); birds: Petie and Sorbet; and dogs: Jake, Seca, and Vita. Calling hours will be held on Sunday March 19th from 1-3 pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will be private. Donations may be made to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105. Firtionadams.com

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