Phyllis Mary Olds Sullivan 1942-2024
She was born in Dubuque Iowa 11/18/1942 as she would always say, upside down and backwards. The daughter of Larry and Esther (Ranker) olds. She graduated from St Bernard’s High School, Eureka CA in 1961 and joined the Navy. After basic training at Bainbridge Naval Training Center she worked with computers at Oak Noll Navel Base Oakland CA where she met her husband Mark J Sullivan. They would always say “If the Navy wants you to have a spouse they would issue you one, and they did.”Her two children George and Barbara were also born on at that same Hospital.
Continuing her unique path for women at the time she went to college as an adult with children. Graduating with a bachelor’s in business management in 1975 from San Jose State University. She continued to work with computers ending her career as a senior software engineer at Unigroup in Fenton MO.
Phyllis was known to crochet blankets. If she found out someone was expecting a baby or grandchild she was so excited to create a beautiful blanket for them. She was also known to gift lap blankets to her friends at “The Home” Crestview Senior Living in Crestwood MO where resided the last 8 years. She was a talented seamstress making wedding dresses and quilts.
A proud member of St Louis Service Women’s Post 404. She often talked with pride of being in the Tribute to Women Veterans parade. In lieu of flowers she would be honored with donations to programs that help women veterans.
She is survived by her daughter Barbara Sullivan Schroeder, son George Sullivan, grandchildren Michael Schroeder, Erin Hawes, Sean Sullivan, and Kate Sullivan. Her sister Esther Perry and Brothers David Olds and Paul Olds. Extended family, friends, and her sisters in the Navy.
Phyllis’ funeral Mass will be held April 1st (Ues April Fool’s Day, she would have loved it!) @ 10am, at St Raymond/St Elizabeth Catholic Church in Crestwood MO.
She will be buried the same day at 1:30pm with her husband at Jefferson Barracks in Saint Louis with the military honors that she had earned by her service to our nation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Louis Service Women’s Post 404, The American Legion at www.stlouisservicewomen.com (donation link at bottom of page), or you can mail a donation to St. Louis Service Women’s Post 404, 3232 Clifton Ave., #2212 St. Louis, MO 63109. https://checkout.square.site/buy/C3ASKB7FAFTWHGWBFMYXUDJ5