Helen T. Sullivan

Age 86 of Horseheads, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 1, 1938 in Elmira, daughter of the late Francis and Ruth (Rorick) Conklin. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Judy and Bill Cruise and their son Brian; brother David Conklin; sister Linda Roblyer and brother-in-law Thomas French. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, James Sullivan; children Deborah Sullivan (Kimberly Patterson), Michael Sullivan. Daniel (Pam) Sullivan with children Ryan, Patrick and Lauren, Patrick Sullivan with his children Sean (Shineigh) and their daughter Rylan, Laney (Brandon) Savoie and Jillian Sullivan along with their mother Amy Sullivan, Mary (James) Ritter with children Tierney (Luke) Sanna with their son Cillian and Nick Ritter, Colleen (Seth) Hibbert with their children Matthew and Meghan, Bridget Sullivan with her children Joseph, Emma and Anna Raymond; sister Patricia French; sister-in-law Patricia Conklin along with many nieces and nephews and special lifelong friends. In her early years Helen was employed as the first left handed switchboard operator with NY Telephone and, along with her family, owned and operated Conklin & Rorick Religious Gift Shop. She was a communicant of The Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish; member of the Ladies of Charity and many other organizations. She prayed the Rosary daily and was devoted to St. Theresa, wrote poems, loved reading, swimming, walking and talking on the phone (especially with her dear friend Virginia Herrick). Aside from all the things she loved and accomplished, her greatest love was being a Mom to her seven children, of which she was so proud. Family and friends are invited to visit St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira on Thursday, September 19th from 11 am to 1 pm. Her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1 pm. Committal prayers and interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery.