Lynne Sullivan

Lynne Harriet Lowrey Sullivan passed away on Tuesday January 23, 2024, at the age of 82. Lynne was born on June 4, 1941, in Malden, Massachusetts. She was the only child of Lawrence Thomas Lowrey and Viola Bergesen Lowrey. She and her husband of 61 years, James F. Sullivan, lived in Jacksonville, Vermont and spent summers on the Cape at their beloved home in Harwich Port. She leaves behind 8 children and their spouses: Martha, Jim (Lisa), Jeff (Kate), Lowrey (Karin), Amy (Alex Bocock), Ethan (Ryane Penders), Ben (Heather), and Eben (Molly Bench). She also leaves behind her true pride and joy, her 23 grandchildren: Aleck, Abby, Isabelle, Scottie, Mamie, Maggie, Emily, Jimmy, Louisa, Mary, Eliza, Jacqueline, Elisabeth, Lola, Rosie, Ellie Mae, Claire, Nolan, Jack, Wylie, Teagan, Jeremiah, and Everett.

Lynne grew up in Malden, Massachusetts. She graduated from Malden High School and then from Regis College with a degree in English. Lynne developed her deep love of Cape Cod beginning in the summer of 1960 when she lived in Harwich Port with her lifelong friends and worked as a waitress at Thompson’s Clam Bar. She then spent every summer on the Cape for the rest of her life.

She married Jim Sullivan in 1962 and moved to Jacksonville, Vermont in 1963 “for just one year” for Jim to start a career in education. One year ultimately became 61 years. They had 8 children, and the family spent the school years in Vermont, where ski racing soon became a passion for everyone. Summers were spent in Harwich Port where Lynne became an active member and volunteer at Stone Horse Yacht Club.

When Lynne took a part-time job as assistant race secretary for the Mount Snow Ski Club in 1979, little did she know that she was embarking upon a long and impactful career in education and competitive ski racing. She rose to be the Director of the Training Center, where she expanded youth competition programs and developed a reputation for skillfully managing high level events. Together with a pioneering group of ski coaches, she founded Mount Snow Academy in 1980, where she was the Head of School for 35 years and continued to work there as Director of Academics and Faculty until April 2023. She cared deeply about her teachers and set high standards for academic excellence in a competitive sport environment. One of Lynne’s proudest career moments came when the Vermont Alpine Racing Association recognized her leadership and service to Vermont Ski Racing and inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 2021.

Lynne reveled in the joy of entertaining and bringing people together. Hundreds of friends graced her elegantly arranged dining room tables in Vermont and on the Cape where they enjoyed delicious meals, great company, and abundant laughter. Everyone was welcome, and there was always room for another at an often-crowded table.

For all her endeavors (and they were numerous), Lynne counted on Jim to be her faithful (though occasionally skeptical) partner and main supporter. Together, they scoured estate sales for the ultimate “find,” enjoyed the ocean on their particular corner of Stone Horse Beach overlooking Wychmere Harbor and endured many days on the side of cold ski hills cheering on their children and then grandchildren. They commuted between the Cape and Vermont and sometimes Utah to attend first communions, ski races, graduations, and any event where a grandchild might be honored; Nanie and Pop always showed up. They lived for each other and their extended family; nothing was more important. Lynne was an amazing grandmother, a strong presence in her grandchildren’s lives and loved being updated on their latest exploits. She had a special knack for making each of her 23 grandchildren feel as if they were the most important person in the world.

Lynne will be dearly missed on so many fronts, from the world of ski racing to the beaches of the Cape. She will always be a strong presence in the hearts of her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren, who will be inspired by her legacy of kindness, compassion, and zest for life.

Friends and family are invited to visiting hours from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, February 4th at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 678 Main Street Harwich, Massachusetts. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 5, at 10 AM at Holy Trinity Church 246 Main Street, West Harwich, Massachusetts.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Vermont Alpine Racing Association Scholarship Fund. https://shop.vara.org/donations

Notes of comfort may be made to her family at www.chapmanfuneral.com