Patricia Anne Sullivan

Patricia A. Sullivan, 60, of Manchester died peacefully Sunday, August 29, lovingly surrounded by her sisters. Patty was born in New London CT, the daughter of the late Margaret Cable and the late David Sullivan.  She was a self-employed accountant for over 30 years, after beginning her career working for the federal government.

From a very young age, Patty lived her life by her own terms. She did not ever wish to conform to the norms of society. She did everything in her life her way. She grew up in Connecticut and began her adult life in Rhode Island, where she became a mother, her most favorite role. She loved being a Mom. She enjoyed baking, cooking and entertaining.  

Patty had a true zest for life, an immeasurable curiosity and an appetite for adventure that could not be satiated. Patty was a wine connoisseur and a foodie. She readily shared her passion for wine and trying new foods. Patty loved to travel; she had been to many beautiful destinations and loved to share her stories. Of all the places she visited, her one true love was the beach. Give her a sandy beach and a crystal clear sea anywhere in the world, and she was blissful. Her love of the ocean eventually took her to the west coast, a place she always wanted to live. It was in San Diego that she met her husband, Frankie, while attending classes on the business of wine. 

Patty was one of the strongest women to have ever walked the earth. She conquered breast cancer after a grueling and fearless battle. She did not merely survive, she thrived. She found a new passion for her health and for life. Several years after she showed breast cancer who was boss, she was again hit with a deadly diagnosis, Glioblastoma. Throughout her two year battle with Glioblastoma, she never once engaged in self-pity. Her love of life and will to live inspired many.  

Patty was very family oriented and loved her family, especially her grandson, Sweet Baby James, who called her Gaga. Gaga was Patty’s favorite title. James brought her life. He was the light of her soul, the love of her life. She could spend hours talking to him.

Patty is survived by her husband George “Frankie” Franceschi, her son Matthew Frates and daughter-in- law Kristina, grandson James Frates, four sisters Kathryn Holowaty and husband Nicholas, Susan Sullivan, April Woodard and husband Derek, and Veronica Arroyo. She also leaves behind nephews Joshua Burton, Marcus Sullivan, Jamie Sullivan, nieces Vanessa Burton and Makaila Kowalsky, two great-nieces, Nora Burton and Ruby Sullivan and numerous other extended family members. Patty had many dear friends who stood by her throughout her illness. They are also feeling the loss of this courageous woman.

Patty was passionate about raising funds for cancer research. Every year, she participated in the Jimmy Fund walkathon in Boston. We ask that donations be made to the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund www.jimmyfund.org in her memory.  

In honor of Patty’s wishes to do it her way, a private celebration of her inspirational and amazing life will be held at the convenience of the family.

For online condolences please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.