Margaret Mary Porter Sullivan

In Loving Memory of Margaret Mary Porter Sullivan “Micki”

Micki Sullivan of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Franklin, MA, and North Fort Myers, FL, was our beloved mom, Grammie, Great Gram, sister, aunt and friend. She passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by the family she spent her life building. Born on May 4, 1937, in Hyde Park, MA, she was the daughter of Joseph P. and Helen C. Porter.

One of four spirited Porter sisters, Micki grew up in Hyde Park and attended Hyde Park High School before entering the workforce. With the help of her oldest sister, Kay, she secured a summer job at the Magnolia Resort in Rockport, MA. It became the most consequential summer job in family history: our dad, William “Billy” Sullivan, was a college student working there during his break. Their summer romance grew into a partnership that lasted 57 years, until his death in 2014. Before their engagement, Bill’s father told him, “She’s a little bossy”—a family memory that still makes us smile. Their love and commitment to each other set an example for all of us.

In 1961, Micki became gravely ill with viral encephalitis and received the last rites of the Church. With young children at home, Bill told his family that she was expected to live only hours. His sister Patricia, a devoted Catholic, rushed to the hospital and anointed Micki with St. Joseph’s oil. The next day, Micki awoke feeling perfectly well. She lived another 65 years without lasting effects from the illness—a recovery our family has always regarded as a miracle.

Micki did not do anything halfway. She raised a houseful of children while working full time and made our house a home for all who entered. There was a system for everything, and the system worked. She cooked for crowds, taught us all how to bake, sewed, painted, organized, and hosted holidays that spilled into every room. We all know and love the Sound of Music due to NYE parties with the grandkids. She was happiest in the middle of it all, usually telling someone what to do next. Just as importantly, she was the one we called when we needed someone to listen, offer honest advice, or make us laugh. Her generosity, caring nature, and wicked Porter sense of humor were never far from the surface.

Her commitment to the community was just as strong. She was one of the founders of Franklin Youth Services, which supported at-risk children, taught religious education (CCD) at Saint Mary’s Church and gave her time to the Franklin Chargers youth football program, FISH, and other community programs. For several years, she drove a Franklin school bus with her toddler, Kevin, sitting in the first seat surrounded by children. Decades later, friends still share bus stories.

Smart, determined, and dedicated, Micki spent most of her career at New England Pottery, helping the company grow from a small start-up into a formidable business. She began in customer service and eventually led customer service and operations. After moving to Florida, she transitioned into sales.

Retirement brought golf and one of her favorite family jokes. Playing happily in the D group, Micki recorded five holes-in-one. Five. The family settled on the only reasonable explanation: Dad was lending a hand from heaven. She continued playing until the last two years of her life.

Micki had a wide circle of friends, but her sisters held a special place in her life. She adored Kay, Louise and Joanne, and for years, two lived nearby in N Fort Myers—a gift she treasured.

Micki became ill late this summer. In the months before her passing, she had the gift of time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she made the most of every visit.

She took great pride in our large extended family. She is survived by her children and their families: Deborah (Tennessee), Hank (Nevada), Daniel and Olivia (Texas), Paula and Todd Sandham (Massachusetts), Laura and Rick Bakosh (Florida), Kevin and Jillian (Massachusetts). She leaves behind 20 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her sister Joanne Liberlis, her daughter in law Cynthia Gerlek, many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

A memorial service will take place at a later date. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and share memories and humorous stories. We will miss her dearly and cherish her memory.