Obituary of Janet Kay Sullivan

Janet Kay Sullivan

(nee Merideth)

Janet Kay Sullivan, age 85 of Shorewood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Lightways Hospice, Joliet, surrounded by the love of her family.  Janet was born in Davenport, IA on February 9, 1939, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Evelyn (nee Franks) Merideth.  She was a graduate of Keokuk High School.  Known for her unwavering love and care as a stay-at-home mom, Jan later embraced a fulfilling career at St. Joseph Hospital. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and a sense of humor, deeply missed by all that knew her.

Janet was a longtime active parishioner of St. Patrick and the Church of St. Jude, where she was a member of the Council of Catholic Women and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Janet was the cherished matriarch known for her unconditional love, exceptional baking skills and extraordinary gift for sewing.  She was a loyal supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and would always commemorate their births and weddings by gifting one of her handmade quilts. Janet also could be seen reading a book, or two, or fifty.

Janet is survived by her children, Mary Colbert, Joseph (Heidi) Sullivan, Michael (Pam) Sullivan,  Katherine (Vance) Greeson, Lori (Joseph) Kayfish,  Barbara (Greg) Hodges, Theresa (John) Talarico, Robert Sullivan, Jr., Evelyn (Jeff) Reid, and Dorothy Faust; grandchildren, Casey Colbert, Jacob (Todd Siddons) Colbert, Andrew, Brenna, and Kyle Sullivan, Katelyn (Dan) McHale, Heather (Kevin) Rauschenberger, Nicholas (Amanda) Greeson, Ashley (Brandon) Ramthun, Elizabeth, Alex, and Robert Kayfish, Ryan (Misty) Vitolka, Logan Hodges, Anthony, Mary, Dominic, and Sofia Talarico, Haleigh Sullivan, Max (fiancé Iris) Sullivan, Emma Reid, Ryann (James) Jacobazzi, and Caden and Addison Faust; and her great-grandchildren, Colton, Jacob, Kaylyn, Aurora, Orion, Tristan, Walker, Juan, and Baby McHale on the way; and her siblings, James (Mercedes) Merideth, Susan (Robert) Abel, and William Merideth. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survived. 

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert W. Sullivan, Sr.; her parents; her brother, Kenneth Merideth; her sister, Maryann (Saavedra) Kerr; her brothers-in law, Robert Saavedra and Leslie Kerr; and her sister-in-law, Diane Merideth.

Family and friends are invited to Funeral Services for Janet Kay Sullivan, which will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Queen of Apostles Parish, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be held privately by the family at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.