Marie Sullivan

Marie (Zarembski) Sullivan, a Chicago native who found her cherished community in Sierra Madre, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. She joins her beloved husband of 56 years, William "Bill" Sullivan, who passed away in 2011.

Marie was just 22 when she met Bill in Chicago. They married in 1955 and, in 1963, embarked on a new adventure, moving to Sierra Madre, California, with their three young children. They became mainstays of the community, first by purchasing and operating The Bottle Shop for over 20 years, and later by building and managing the Sierra Madre Self Storage. Both businesses remain family-owned and operated today. While building these businesses, Marie was a devoted mother, a successful real estate agent, and a dedicated volunteer for Sierra Madre Community Hospital, St. Rita Catholic Church, and Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center.

Together, Marie and Bill were also instrumental in founding Sierra Madre City College (SMCC), tirelessly promoting it by hosting parties and leading fundraisers to benefit the city. For years, they were a familiar sight in the Sierra Madre 4th of July parades, walking proudly beside their annual SMCC float.

Marie will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her, most of all by her children, Kathy Copeland (Paul), Bill Sullivan (Patty), and Dan Sullivan. Her spirit lives on through her six grandchildren, Melissa (Bobby), Michael, Jay (Caley), Jeff, Tracy, and Sarah, and her five great-grandchildren, Travis, Braxton, BraeLynn, James, and Avery. We will remember Marie for her remarkable optimism, her cheerful demeanor, her incredible work ethic, and her joy for playing cards.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church on Friday, September 19th, at 10 a.m., with the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed on the St. Rita Parish Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either St. Rita Catholic Church or Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, both of which were so dear to Marie and are located in her much-loved hometown of Sierra Madre.