Clare Sullivan

Clare E. Sullivan (Coughlan) of Brooklin, ME (formerly of Abington, MA) passed away peacefully after a short illness on September 23, 2025.

Clare was born on January 31, 1939 to John Francis and Kathaleen Rose (Kelleher) Coughlan. She grew up in Abington, MA. She received a Bachelor's degree in mathematics from Albertus Magnus College and a Master's degree in Creative and Critical Thinking from the University of Massachusetts. Clare was an educator who taught special education and math in Whitman, MA for many years. Upon returning from a couple years of teaching in Nigeria, she met and married Dennis Sullivan. She was an avid wildflower enthusiast and enjoyed her little wild plot of land on the Maine coast where she retired.

Clare loved big ideas, good books and music, and any adventure that would expand your mind or horizon. She was well known for her positive spirit and eagerness to learn new things and see new places. She had a gift, however, to also derive joy from the interactions and experiences of everyday life. She was well known to greet you with a broad smile and excitement for your presence and was always the consummate host and loyal friend. Clare was also not afraid to hold her own beliefs and ideas and communicate them assertively.

Her generous enthusiasm for others extended to her community as well. As a trustee of the Dyer Memorial Library and an active force in the Brooklin Keeping Society, she was very interested in the history and culture of the communities she lived in. Her enthusiasm for curation resulted in authoring a published book about Brooklin's history.

Clare had ranging interests, from antique linens to regional flora to insights about the human experience. Her spirit was one of curious inquisitor, creative thinker, and engaged adventurer.

Clare is survived by her children, Maura (Andrew Thompson), David (Jane Shiau), and Kate (Nathan Odden); grandchildren, Ada, Clara, Molly, Oliver, and Sosha; many nieces and nephews; cherished friends; and her feline companions Barnum and Bailey. She was predeceased by her husband of more than 60 years; siblings, John, Kathleen, and Mary Joan and her beloved granddaughter Lena Rose.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.