Anna Sullivan, May You Rest In Peace

Pro-lifers in Rhode Island have lost one of their great champions. Anna Sullivan, 66, died at her home last month after a seven-year battle with cancer.

For many years Mrs. Sullivan, the mother of 10, served as the president of the Rhode Island Right to Life Committee and as the state's delegate to the NRLC Board of Directors. An energetic and persistent lobbyist, she was respected by people on both sides of the abortion issue. Mrs. Sullivan began her battle on behalf of the vulnerable in 1969 - - four years before the Roe v. Wade decision - - when some legislators introduced proposals to change the state's protective abortion law. In addition, as many as 2,000 needy families each year were provided baby clothes and equipment by Right to Life Services, which Mrs. Sullivan founded in 1970.

Following her graduation from St. Xavier Academy and from Rhode Island College of Education, Mrs. Sullivan worked as an elementary music supervisor in the Warwick public schools. She also was an organist and choir director for 53 years.

Bishop Louis Gellneau, the Catholic bishop of the diocese of Providence until June 1997, praised Mrs. Sullivan as a "tireless worker for respect-life causes."

"She led the pro-life forces of this region at a time when few other voices in defense of the unborn were evident," he said in his tribute. "Sadly, her voice of moderation and quiet strength has been stilled, but her legacy will live on in her many followers and supporters."

Editor's note. On June 17, the NRLC Board of Directors passed the following resolution in honor of Anna Sullivan, the long-time director from the state of Rhode Island.

WHEREAS, Anna Sullivan served with distinction for more than 20 years as the Director from the State of Rhode Island to the National Right to Life Committee Board; and

WHEREAS, her dedication to the defense of the Right to Life had its foundation in a deep and profound respect for the Sanctity of Human Life; and

WHEREAS, she was an unwavering witness to the truth, acting as a brilliant light to dispel the darkness of abortion and euthanasia; and

WHEREAS, the lives she touched with love and genuine compassion are too numerous to count; and

WHEREAS, Anna Sullivan will be deeply missed on the National Right to Life Board; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the National Right to Life Committee, sitting in Orlando, Florida, on June 16 and 17, 1998, recognize the tremendous contributions Anna made to the right to life movement and to the protection of the unborn and medically vulnerable in Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors convey its deepest appreciation to Anna's family and the people of Rhode Island for sharing Anna with us.