Betty Jean Sullivan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty Jean (Burke) Sullivan, 86, who departed this life on July 29, 2026, in Midland, Michigan. Betty was cherished by family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness, warmth, and generosity. Born on May 2, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Betty moved to North Judson, Indiana at the age of ten. She attended SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic schools and then graduated from North Judson High School where she was a member of the band, choir, and crowned Homecoming Queen. On October 3, 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry G. Sullivan of Winamac. They shared almost 57 years of marriage before his passing in 2016. Their loving union was blessed with two children, Jerry (Jay) Gene Sullivan, Jr and Christine Marie. Betty was a devoted wife and mother. She later sold advertising for The Market in North Judson for years before retiring. She never met a stranger, and all her customers became friends. She enjoyed her “Friday Night Eats” group with dear friends and drinking vodka on the rocks with olives. Traveling was a hobby. She traveled all over the United States, visited Italy, and she especially loved her favorite island, St Maarten, where she visited each year for thirty years with her husband and close friends, Janet & Keith Fingerhut. But her pride and joy were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Everyone she met was told that her two kids gave her seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She held many cousins’ sleepovers, attended their sporting events, supported their college years, and never let them leave Grandma’s house hungry or empty handed. She loved nothing more than hosting parties and making big family dinners. Her spaghetti was practically world famous. Betty is survived by her daughter, Christine Wood and her husband Todd Miller; Daughter-In-Law Patricia Sullivan; Sister Carol and husband Dan Gehring; Brother Jim Burke and wife Elaine; Granddaughters Anna Sullivan (Paul Hilliger), Katie Keyser (Nick), Alyse O’Keefe (Jake); Elizabeth Crawford (Storm). Grandsons Jason Sullivan, Zachary Wood (Alexandra), and Joseph Wood. Great grandchildren Julian, Adrian, Holden, Jordan Jacob (JJ), Maya and Michael. Step grandchildren Andrew Miller, Dashia Rolfe (Craig) and step great grandson Graham. Her special guy Robert (Bob) Miller and many nieces and nephews. Betty is preceded by her husband Jerry Sullivan; Son Jay Sullivan; and parents Jim and Eve Burke. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation honoring Betty's life on Wednesday, August 5th 10am-12pm CST at O’Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson, IN. Funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon CST at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church with Father Terry Bennis presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church or the National MS Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891.

Betty Jean Sullivan

May 2, 1940 - July 29, 2026