Arline Sullivan, a resident of Philadelphia but a proud “New Yorker” passed away in Philadelphia on December 12, 2024 at the age of 80.
Mom grew up in Brooklyn NY and often referred to it as “God’s Country”. She was raised in the Coney Island area and was proud to have been a part of Brooklyn’s history. She enjoyed going to the Rock & Roll shows and had even been a back up performer at the famous Brooklyn Paramount. She later worked at the RKO Tilyou Theater in addition to “working the games” on the Coney Island Boardwalk. One of her favorite attractions was the historic Steeplechase. Coney would also be where she met her husband James, my Father, who repaired the Bumper Cars. Mom was also extremely talented and was encouraged to pursue a career in Art throughout her Academic years. Her preferred medium was charcoals and pastels.
She would later move to Queens NY to begin the next chapter of her life as a dedicated Wife and Mother. Our family landed in Jamaica where she would build life long friendships that created bonds which lasted her lifetime. My Mom was involved in everything and was very proud to have held the position of PTA president. She would spend her time creating amazing events and prided herself on her attention to detail. If you knew her , I am sure you would have heard her story of how she once made tiny little graduation caps with tassels made of thread , by hand. She made a 100 of these , as cupcake toppers, for my Kindergarten graduation. Mom also sewed and handmade all of my elaborate Halloween costumes as well. There was nothing she couldn’t do.
She would later turn her volunteer position with the PTA into a career with the Board of Education.
Our family later moved to Elmhurst and would quickly become a well known part of the Jackson Heights community. She was a career waitress at the Jackson House Restaurant and a hostess at the Gaels lounge, You could not walk down the street without someone passing by that knew her. She became a Jackson Heights fixture. Her customers loved her so much they would bring her gifts , cards & flowers. She also loved to go out and could be found on the dance floor or meeting with friends for a meal at the famous Cavalier Restaurant.
EVERYONE knew her and EVERYONE loved her, without exception.
Later in life she begrudgingly moved to Philadelphia (NY ran through her veins…and coffee, lots of coffee). Her move only had one purpose which was to be closer to me, her Daughter and her Son in law , Daniel. I will always be grateful for this as she sacrificed the life and the community that she loved so much to give us more time together. Thank you Mom , because there is never enough time. Thank you for being all things to all people. Thank you for being you.