Betty Jane Sullivan

Betty Jane Sullivan, 78, of Naples, FL died peacefully Friday, January 9, 2015 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Formerly of Loudonville, NY, she moved to Bonita Springs, FL in 1995 before relocating to Naples in 2009. Betty Jane was born August 20, 1936 in Schenectady, NY, daughter to the late Spencer and Martha (Fairlee) Kniskern. She attended Lincoln School and Central Park Junior High before graduating from Nott Terrace High School in 1954. As a freshman at the Union University School of Nursing in Albany, NY, she met Stephen G. Sullivan, also a freshman at Albany Medical College. Upon her graduation in 1957, they married and began their long and loving life together. Betty Jane was beautiful, inside and out, and her life was entirely dedicated to loving others. She was “Super Mom”, a loving and devoted wife for 58 years, a caring sister, and a dedicated grandmother who loved nothing more than doing arts and crafts and making French toast with her grandchildren. She was poised, elegant, but most of all kind and sweet. She was a fantastic friend to so many, was quick to laugh and often did. Her smile lit up a room when she entered it, and she will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her. Betty Jane loved animals and had a gift for loving and caring for them. Millie, Betty Jane’s canine companion for the last 8 years, misses her dearly. Duchess, Brandy, Brutus, Captain, Petey, and Skipper were all boxers that occupied a special place in her heart and are no doubt enjoying her company again. She loved to entertain and to be surrounded by friends and family. In Loudonville, Vermont, Hilton Head and Florida, Betty Jane created beautiful homes and was a gracious hostess. She loved all of nature, marveled at the beauty that surrounded her in Florida, and was so happy in the tropical heat and sunshine there. She helped create a treasured butterfly garden at Bonita Bay, loved the Corkscrew Sanctuary and its orchids, and spent much of her time on the golf course absorbing the natural beauty and wildlife. She had passion and talent for painting, gardening, and flower arrangement. For many years, she was a member of the Troy Garden Club and helped create beautiful gardens for the annual garden walk. Betty Jane played tennis socially and competitively, was a skilled golfer, and an accomplished skier. She was a member of the Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, FL, The Country Club of Troy, NY, Colleton River Plantation Club in Bluffton, SC, and Oyster Reef Golf Club in Hilton Head, SC. Survivors include her devoted husband of 58 years, Dr. Stephen G. Sullivan; loving children, Stephen (Martha) Sullivan of Miami, FL, Scott (Hilary) Sullivan of Delray Beach, FL, Timothy (Jane) Sullivan of Park City, UT, and Christine Sullivan of Naples, FL; sister, Christine (Richard) Gershon of Bonita Springs, FL; and cherished grandchildren, Lindsey, Thomas, Taylor, Blair and Lucia. She was also the beloved aunt of Betty Jane Shelffo, Peter Gershon, Meaghan Thorner, Brenda Sullivan, and Jim Sullivan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. No., Naples, FL 34108. Burial will follow in the church memorial garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty Jane’s name may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Betty Jane Sullivan

August 20, 1936 - January 9, 2015