Dorothy Dixon Sullivan was born in Ohio on November 8, 1926 to loving parents Helen B. and John C. Dixon, and passed away peacefully on October 15, 2015. She was known as "Dede" most of her life to her many friends and family members. She is survived by her brother; Robert Dixon; 5 Children: Judy Cummings, Dr. Jerry E. Sullivan, Julie Rhodes, Dr. David Sullivan and Joseph P. Sullivan; Grandchildren: Meg, Caitlin, Danny, Sarah, Steve, Adam, Heather, Ann Marie, Amy, Michael and Michelle; 10 Great-grandchildren: Winter, Landon, Hailey, Jacob, David, Paul, Patrick, Jack, Ellie and Hadley.

Dede graduated from University of Dayton in 1950 where she met the love of her life, Joseph M. Sullivan. They married in November of 1951 and lived in Dayton until 1967 when they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. After obtaining her Masters Degree in Education and becoming an accomplished teacher and reading specialist, she and Joe, known to his grandchildren as Grandy, retired and moved to Laguna Niguel, CA in 1995. She loved her family as well as education, history, traveling, sewing, music and hosting a festive Open House at Christmastime. She was adored by her family and will be missed every day.

Following a funeral mass at Mission San Luis Rey on Monday, October 19 at 1:00 pm, she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Joe.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic - Department of Development

https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/alzheimers

200 First Street SW

Rochester, MN 55905

1-855-852-8129