Linda

Sullivan

Linda (Schenk) Sullivan, age 72, of Longmeadow, Mass., passed away on Nov. 4 with her family and friends by her side at Baystate Medical Center from complications of multiple sclerosis.

She was born in Evansville, Indiana, on January 24, 1954, the eldest child of Edward J. and Nancy (Hunt) Schenk, and moved with her family to Wilbraham, Mass., at age 13.

Linda had a beautiful singing voice and was active in the Minnechaug Regional High School chorus, plays, band and orchestra, twice receiving the Outstanding Musician award. Through the music program, she met her future husband, Michael Sullivan. They were married in 1976.

She studied music education at the Boston Conservatory, graduating in 1976. She later earned her master’s degree in education from American International College.

In 1982, as state regulations changed and people with disabilities were moved from institutions to the community, Linda saw the need to provide them with housing and employment and cofounded the Brown and Sullivan Agency in Springfield, which later became Sullivan and Associates. An astute businesswoman, she expanded the nonprofit agency to employ more than 500 people who helped improve the lives of thousands of clients over the years.

Linda was always interested in current affairs as well as fashion, films and food and held progressive views in both her professional and personal life. She was active in Springfield’s Trinity United Methodist Church, including serving as the production manager of its annual Boar’s Head Festival.

She will be remembered for her strong will and her enduring positive outlook, carrying on her father’s tradition of singing “Accentuate the Positive.” Among her favorite things were July 4th fireworks with the family, Cookie Day hosted by her lifelong best friend, Colleen Bugbee, and country drives with Mike.

She was extremely proud of her two sons and daughters-in-law, all of whom work in education.

Linda leaves her husband of 50 years, Michael; two sons: James of East Longmeadow, Mass., and his wife, Jennifer; and Matthew of La Porte, Ind., and his wife, Megan; three treasured grandchildren: Quinn, Amelia and Nathan; three sisters: Susan Schenk O’Brien of Alameda, Calif.; Barbara Schenk and her husband, Keith Walker, of Springfield, Mass.; and Carol Schenk of New York, NY; and many close family members.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, Linda would want you to enjoy a spicy snack and watch “Morning Joe.”