Mary Ann Sullivan (nee Gindele) of New York NY, Chester MA and Southwick MA, passed away peacefully on December 27 at the age of 77. She was surrounded by her loving family. A 21 year cancer survivor, she leaves behind Joseph, her husband and devoted caregiver of 57 years, her daughter Julie, son-in-law Scott, and grandson Flynn, and her brothers Otto (and wife Betty), John and Joseph and a long list of loving nieces and nephews and their children. She is predeceased by her brother Thomas (and wife Eileen) and her parents Otto and Marie, who emigrated to this country in the early 1920’s from Germany and Czech Republic respectively. Mary Ann graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and received both her Bachelor’s and Masters of Education from City College in NYC. She was the director of the William Woodward Jr. Nursery School in NYC for 17 years and then relocated to her weekend home in Chester where she and her husband Joe opened the Chester Hill Winery. She was the CEO, salesperson, case deliverer, tasting room madam and chief bottle washer. She was president of the Jacobs Ladder Business Association, and served on the boards of the Chester Hill Association and the Hamilton Memorial Library in Chester. Later in her life she helped care for her young grandson, showering him with the doting love and affection only grandmothers can provide. She was a skier, loved to travel, host and entertain, and enjoyed drinking wine, working in her garden and reading books. Over her life, Mary Ann’s caring, generosity and beautiful smile touched many people and we will miss her dearly. Calling hours will be held at Firtion Adams, 76 Broad Street, Westfield MA on Saturday, January 3, 2026, 1-3pm, with a small service to follow. Donations in Mary Ann's name may be made to New England Public Media and the show Nature. Please include Nature in the comments. https://donate.nepm.org/nepm/tribute. www.firtionadams.com
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