Winifred T. Sullivan

Winifred T. (Smith) Sullivan, 83, of Portsmouth died peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. She was the wife of the late Robert Cornelius Sullivan who passed away in May of this year.Winnie was born on April 16, 1929 in Newport, RI. She was the daughter of the late Robert Joseph Smith Sr. and Mary Bridget (OFarrell) Smith. She was a beloved graduate of St. Catherine's Academy, Newport, Class of 1946. Professionally, Winnie was a talented Business Manager. She worked many years in the Newport dental practice of Dr. Anthony A. Caputi, DDS, also earning certification in dental assisting during her tenure there. She worked for 10 years at Growing Children of RI early care and education centers in Narragansett and Middletown. She is remembered by many for the warm and caring approach she brought to her work.Winnie was deeply spiritual, dedicating time and energy to her church and faith. She had a lovely voice, serving as a soloist and in church choirs. She graduated from the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program and served as a Lay Minister in several parishes. With her husband Rob she was a leader in Marriage Encounter.Winnie loved to travel. She and Rob explored the United States and Ireland. With her daughters she also ventured to Austria and Italy. She dabbled in creative hobbies and gardening. She was always interested in learning new things and getting to know interesting people. She was a loyal, supportive friend and mentor to many. She and Rob loved to dance. They were well known for their hospitality.Winnie's greatest passion, pride and joy were her family, large and small - a devotion and appreciation that remains entirely reciprocated. She is survived by her children, Michael Sullivan and his wife Barbara (Potter) Sullivan, Peggy Wark and her husband Thomas Wark, Marilyn Hostetler and her husband Dean B. Hostetler all of Portsmouth, RI, and Reeva Murphy of East Montpelier, VT, nine grandchildren, Bridget Sitkoff and her husband Nathan of Milton, MA, Nathan Sullivan and his wife Taryn of Reston, VA, Cornelius Murphy of Waterbury, VT, Patrick Wark of Portsmouth, RI, Courtney Hostetler and her husband Matthew Matera of New Orleans, LA, Doriane Wark and Devon Hostetler of Portsmouth, RI, Caitlin Hostetler of Cranston, RI and Laura Murphy of East Montpelier, VT, her great grandchildren, Noah and Jeremiah Sitkoff of Milton, MA and Nina Murphy of Waterbury, VT.She was the sister of the late John N. Smith, Robert J. Smith, Charles Smith, Francis Smith, Michael James Smith, Mary Segerson and Anne Smith, and mother in law of the late Terry Murphy. Calling hours will be held on, Friday, December 21 from 4:30-7:30pm in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.Her funeral will be held on Saturday, December 22 at 10:00am from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth.Memorial donations may be made to www.mysandyhookfamilyfund.com Visitation DEC 21. 04:30 PM - 07:30 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service DEC 22. 11:00 AM St. Barnabas Catholic Church 1697 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US