Sr. Bernadette Sullivan Sullivan

Sister Bernadette Sullivan SFP (Sister Mary Thaddeus) 95, was peacefully embraced by God on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. She was the last living child of five children born to the late Mary and Daniel Sullivan. Born on September 26, 1929, in Bronx, New York during the Great Depression, Bernadette spoke of her life as a “pilgrimage from the beginning”.

After graduating from Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing in 1958 she entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor attracted by the life and simplicity of St. Francis. After her formation, she pursued her bachelor’s in nursing from Seton Hill University. For a few years, she ministered in hospital nursing before enrolling at St. Mary University Regina Mundi in Rome, Italy to pursue a master’s in theology.

Upon her return to the States, she assumed ministry, working with discerning women in formation. In 1971, she was selected to serve the Congregation as a Councilor in leadership with a specific focus on the sisters’ efforts in Italy, Brazil and eventually Senegal. She served eight years as a Councilor, before her selection as the Congregational Minister for an additional eight years, in which she encouraged the sisters to be ever true to their Franciscan call to respect relationships including all creation.

Sr. Bernadette possessed an unending desire to be of service to those in need and found multiple avenues to advocate for them. For several years she ministered to homeless women in shelters in New York and New Jersey. She worked as Eco-Justice Coordinator for the US Area while being part of Women in Black, a local effort against any form of war. Over time, her efforts became global, taking on the challenge to work with Franciscans International and the late Br. Tom Grady to create an NGO representation position with the United Nations. It was fitting that she herself would be the first NGO Franciscan representative, a role she faithfully served in for several years.

In more recent years, Sr. Bernadette resided in Warwick, NY and relocated to Cincinnati in 2017. Sr. Bernadette was a life learner on every level. In her quieter years, she enjoyed watercolor painting and saw yoga as her “needful medicine”. She found joy in those who surrounded her life, especially sisters and family, along with beauty and nature.

Sr. Bernadette leaves behind her fellow Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and Associates, loving nieces and nephews, along with many friends.

The Wake and Visitation will occur on Friday, June 12th, 2026, at 9:15am in St. Clare Chapel followed by the Liturgy of Resurrection at 10am. Liturgy will be livestreamed via Facebook at Franciscan Sisters of the Poor/US Area. In lieu of flowers, kindly direct donations to Pax Christi USA, 415 Michigan Avenue NE, Suite 340, Washington, DC 20017-4503.