A thank you note I can't send

June 10, 1957-June 5, 2011

Monica Susan Sullivan passed away peacefully in the care of her loving family on Sunday, June 5, 2011. She was 53 years old.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Monica was the middle of five children raised by Paul and Evelyn Clement in Garden City, Michigan. As the middle child, Monica was often the “peacemaker” of the family, looking after the well-being of her siblings. This fundamental caring for others led her to pursue a nursing degree from Michigan State University. After college, Monica married John Sullivan and the two lived in North Carolina and Wisconsin before settling in their native Michigan to raise a family.

Monica and John had two sons, Ryan and Sean, who together with their Dad were Monica’s “boys”. The family lived in Canton in their early years before moving to the Brighton area. As a family, they shared many great memories, especially trips to places such as the Canadian Rockies, Ireland and the American West. Monica became a mother-in-law twice over, welcoming Callie (Ryan) and Ruth (Sean) into her family. In her last year of life Monica was thrilled to become a Grandmother to John “Jack” Sullivan.

While family always came first for Monica, she also enjoyed a long career in the service of others as a nurse and later as an educational administrator at Schoolcraft College. Reflecting her tremendous work ethic, Monica received a Masters degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Michigan later in life and went on to hold various leadership positions at Schoolcraft. As a leader, Monica studied and practiced servant leadership, applying the same fundamental principles from her nursing days in her leadership roles.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John; loving sons, Ryan (Callie) and Sean (Ruth); father, Paul Clement; grandson, Jack; sisters, Mary Clement and Kathy (Kevin) Carroll; brother, Brian (Stacey) Clement; nephews, Aaron (Miriam), Zachary, Dylan, Wyatt, and Samuel; nieces, Lou (Tyler), and Amanda; many loving extended family members and dear friends.

Monica was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Clement and brother, Paul Clement.

A loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, sweet daughter, caring sister and dear friend, Monica will be missed by all.

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As I get ready to mail my bridal shower thank you notes, there is only one gift without a "check, thank you written" next to it. Although I was able to thank Monica in person, I didn't have a chance to send anything in the mail. So this is just a thank you and to say that we will think of Monica every day when we use the dishes she gave us!