Anne T. Sullivan (née Tighe), age 93, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Anne was born on May 22, 1933, in Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland, to the late John and Catherine (McDonnell) Tighe. From an early age, she grew up hearing stories of America from her mother and aunts, who had lived in New York before returning to Ireland. Those stories sparked a lifelong dream. At just 18 years old, Anne left Ireland to begin a new life in America. After a brief stay in London, she arrived in New York City in 1955, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Sullivan. They were married on May 16, 1964, at St. Joan of Arc Church in Jackson Heights, New York, beginning a marriage filled with love, laughter, family, and faith.

Together, Anne and Joe built a life that took them from New York City to Long Island, then New Jersey, before ultimately settling in Danbury, and later Southbury, where they enjoyed their retirement years together. Anne proudly supported Joe during his early career with Ford Motor Company, a role that gave them the opportunity to travel to destinations around the world and create lasting memories. Later, they fulfilled their dream of owning their own business when they founded Sullivan Auto Parts, which they successfully operated together until retiring in 2003.

Anne's greatest joy was creating a warm and welcoming home for her family and friends. She was an exceptional cook who loved spending time in the kitchen, perfecting family recipes, and making sure no one ever left her table hungry. She had a wonderful Irish sense of humor, enjoyed a good laugh, and wasn't above listening to an off-color joke or two, especially if it brought a smile to those around her.

Anne also generously volunteered her time at St. Peter Church and St. Peter School, where she formed lasting friendships and quietly served her parish community.

Anne's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. It guided her decisions, shaped her character, and gave her strength through every joy and challenge. She was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother, and the Rosary was the center of her daily prayer life. Her rosary beads were rarely out of her reach and praying the Rosary each day was as much a part of her life as caring for her family. Whenever someone was facing illness, hardship, or simply needed prayers, family and friends instinctively turned to Anne. She never hesitated to pray for others and found great comfort in placing their intentions in God's hands.

Becoming an American citizen was one of Anne's greatest blessings. She often said it was one of God's greatest gifts to her, and she never took that privilege for granted. She thanked God every day for allowing a young woman from Belmullet, Ireland, to build a life and raise her family in the country she had dreamed about since childhood. Whenever "America the Beautiful" was sung at Mass, Anne was often moved to tears by her gratitude for the nation that gave her that opportunity.

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Sullivan; her sister, Mary Gaughan; and her brother, Michael Tighe.

She leaves behind her loving sons, Joe (Denise) Sullivan of Newtown, and Michael (Kelly) Sullivan of Fairfield, Connecticut. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Owen, John, Katelyn, Charlie, Kerry, and JP, each of whom brought her endless joy.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary caregivers and staff at The Cascades in Bethel, where Anne spent the last three years of her life. Their kindness, compassion, and friendship meant the world to her. She truly considered them her second family.

Friends may call at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, on Tuesday, August 25, from 5 to 8 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Wednesday, August 26, at 10:30 am.

Interment will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Newtown.

The Mass of Christian Burial may be viewed online at Voice of St. Rose Livestream

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the BrightFocus Foundation (Macular Degeneration Research Program) in Anne's memory.