I just today learned of Cathy's passing - news which truly rocked me. Our paths crossed back in the mid-'80s, a period when we shared quite a bit of life together for 2-3 years. She owned my heart in that time, always emanating light and happiness. Cathy's mother had just passed away when she and I met in downtown Chicago, and over the months that followed we worked thru some of the emotions she had about that. Witty and clever, Cathy's generally positive attitude was a great regenerator for me. Once I made her a pizza from scratch using Equal artificial sweetener in the dough instead of sugar, which turned the pie into something closer to Frosted Flakes than a dish from Italy. Her sweet, appreciative smile across that table is one I've never forgotten. But she, for sure, always kept that episode in her quiver when she needed a comeback to put me in my place. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel in Cathy. I'm sad I didn't know sooner she'd left us. My deepest sympathy and condolences to her family and friends . . .
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I vividly remember first setting eyes on Catherine Ann Sullivan. It was in a 2nd level improv class at the Players Workshop of the Second City. We were going around the room introducing ourselves. When it was Cathy's turn, she flashed a crooked smile, and her eyes brightened as she stuck her index finger in her dimple, giving it a twist as she said her name. She lit up the room. I was smitten. Cathy and I spent a lot of time together that following year. I had fallen into improvisation, then acting, and Cathy was a major influence. She was doing all the right things to be successful -- she took dance with Lou Conte, scene study at Steppenwolf and Victory Gardens Theatre, cold reading with Jane Brody, voice lessons -- you name it -- and she knew about headshots and agents, basically everything. And Cathy was working it. I followed her lead, inspired by her ambition and dedication. She kept herself in audition-ready condition through workouts and dancing -- anything aerobic. We made each other laugh. A lot. Ultimately, her ambitions took her to New York. (I told you she was serious!) I even visited her there once. Over the years, I attended more that a few of Cathy's plays, including, early on -- "Annie". Cathy had a keen sense of ethics and propriety which I admired, but also had a mischievous side -- her eyes were constantly twinkling and she had a ready laugh. I already miss her light and laughter and the loss of the connection we once had. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends who loved Cathy and suffer the void she leaves behind.
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1978, New Orleans, LA, USA
Commanders Palace
— with
Cathy, our mom
3
1979, New Orleans, LA, USA
Jackson Square
— with
Cathy, Mom,Mary
3
1978, Mt Prospect, IL, USA
3
I am beyond sad. I loved Cathy. She and I became fast friends in the neighborhood on Owen St and she helped me out many times from driving me to and from the hospital when I broke my foot, to cooking something wonderful for me when I helped her with her driveway with that never ending sidewalk. Cathy was such an upbeat person with a wonderful smile and an infectious laugh. She had a heart of gold and she constantly talked about her 2 kids who were the light of her life. I will never ever forget her…. She’s in Heaven now happy and free but I’m sure will always watch over her children. Cathy will be dearly missed….. Gone too soon…. What a beautiful tribute written about her! My sincere condolences to the family and my heart is breaking for her two adult children - Annie and Craig. Much love 💔
Joanne Benton
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My deepest condolences to the Sullivan and Zahour families. Hoping that you find some comfort in your loving memories.
2
Mike and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you.
Paul & Dayle Obuchowski (class of ‘74)
2
My name is Janet Sullivan Cunningham. I graduated from Prospect High School in 1976 with Cathy. She was always right next to me in the yearbooks. We called each other "the other Sullivan" as we were the only two in that class. We have kept in touch through the years mostly on social media. RIP my friend. Soar with the angels.
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