June Sullivan

June Audrey Sullivan, age 87, died peacefully at her daughter's home early Friday November 18, 2011, in Loveland, CO. Born on June 12, 1924 to Seneca Kenneth Silliman and Dorris Lillian Silliman in Albany, NY. Her original dream was to be a veterinarian, although due to the oppression of woman at the time, it was not accepted. Instead she heeded the wartime call for nurses, and attended and graduated from the Samaritan School of Nursing in Troy, NY. June entered active duty in the Army Nurse Corp of the United States Army on March 13, 1945 at the age of 21. She was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. She served at Bruns General Hospital Command Unit as a general duty nurse. June was discharged upon the Allied Victory of WW II with an honorable discharge and was awarded The American Campaign Medal and WW II Victory medal. Near the end of the war she met JC Sullivan in a military hospital in Amarillo, TX. They were both patients and she fell in love with his southern drawl, charm, and suave guitar playing. They married three weeks later in Magnum, OK, May 20, 1947. Their marriage lasted 54 years until JC's death in 2002. They settled into civilian life raising three sons and a daughter. June worked at many hospitals around the country. Her most prominent position was working for The Atomic Energy Commission at The Las Alamos National Laboratory Hospital in New Mexico, holding a top secret security clearance. She was offered the first head nursing position in the newly created U.S. space program, now known as NASA. She declined the position due to family obligations. In 1963, the family moved to LaPorte, CO where she continued nursing at Poudre Valley Hospital. After retiring from PVH, in 1978 June and a few others established the very first Hospice of Larimer County. The beginnings started in the basement of what is now PVH Express Lab from a desk that was built by her husband from two saw horses and a door. When asked what prompted her to follow this path she motioned to her heart and replied, "It rang a bell in here somewhere with me. There are always so many needs in the world. That was one that wasn't being met." In 1982, due to dedicated and passionate years of service as Director of Nursing for Hospice of Larimer County, June was awarded the first Fort Collins Human Relations Award. This recognized an individual/organization who inspired others to practice fairness, equality, and brotherhood in the advancement of human dignity. Joyful times were spent with her family and close friends doing things such as; camping, fishing, jeeping, traveling and large family get-togethers. Her green thumb for vegetables and flowers was remarkable. She enjoyed bird watching, sculpting, crafts, and cooking. She was an avid reader and published writer. She belonged to Pen Pointers Writing Club, American Kennel Club, Church Women United, and was an active member of her Episcopal church. She generously gave to various charitable organizations. She engaged her passion for animals through dog breeding, showing, and raising numerous farm animals. June was preceded in death by her mother and father, sister Claire Rufloth, husband JC Sullivan, brother and sister-in-laws Lorene and Harry Galloway, Sue and Robert Long, Corene Bex, Lloyd and Marie Sullivan, and Hazel Sullivan. June is survived by sister and brother in law Fern and William Merritt, sons Donald and wife Karen Sullivan, Jerry and Carol Sullivan, David Sullivan, Mark Sullivan, and daughter Nancy and Joseph Owen; brother and sister-in-law Joe and Ouida Sullivan; grandchildren Justin, Jeremy, David, Gayla, Cameo, Jerod, and Jason Sullivan, Brandon Mau, Jennifer Mau-Cooper, Dania and Eric Owen; 10 great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. June's presence, wit, compassion, and wisdom will be sorely missed. When asked how she felt about her own hospice journey she replied, "It warms the cockles of your heart, wherever they are." She laughed with warm humor. June became quiet for a moment and said, "It's a complete circle. Wonderful…wonderful… knowing that something that was so important to me then, could be so important at the end of my life." A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday December 9th, 2011 at St. Peter's Anglican Church 308 E. CR 30 Fort Collins, CO 80525, behind Resthaven Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow, followed by a procession to Grandview Cemetery for a 1pm. graveside service. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Navajo Health Foundation/ Sage Memorial Hospital or Daughters of Destiny. Contributions can be sent in care of Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Dr. Unit E Fort Collins, CO 80524.