Jeanne Sullivan McClellan

Margaret "Jeanne" Connelly Sullivan McClellan passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, surrounded by the love that she had so freely given to others throughout her life.

Jeanne was born January 10, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up on Codman Hill in Dorchester, the youngest of three children born to William and Margaret Connelly. She was educated at St. Gregory’s Grammar School, Notre Dame Academy, and Regis College – and it was on the bus going to and from high school that she met Cornelius J. Sullivan – known as Neil – whom she married on May 12, 1956, at St. Gregory’s Church in Dorchester. In 1990, Jeanne married Jack McClellan, at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church in Canton, where she was a long-time, devoted member.

Jeanne’s first and most cherished calling was raising her four children, Neil, Leslie, Peter, and Paul. She brought that same dedication to her career as a Medical Account Manager, and later to her most celebrated role as Nana, keeping up with all her grandchildren’s accomplishments and never missing an opportunity to send a card.

Jeanne had a wonderful sense of humor and a vibrant personality that shone through especially in conversation, where her warmth and wit - often with a touch of sarcastic charm – brought joy to all who knew her. She was also a woman of remarkable resilience, meeting life's harder moments with the same grace and spirit.

In her spare time, Jeanne enjoyed reading, playing cards, working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy and sports of any kind. Above all, she treasured time with family and friends. A wonderful cook, she found great joy in bringing everyone together at the annual Christmas gatherings.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents; her brother William J. Connelly; her sister Ruth Connelly Patten; her husbands, Cornelius J. Sullivan and John W. McClellan; her son Cornelius J. Sullivan, Jr.; and her daughter, Leslie Sullivan Mannix.

She is survived by her sons, Peter Sullivan and his wife Kathryn of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and Paul Sullivan and his wife Donna of Simsbury, Connecticut; her stepsons John McClellan and his wife Susan of Marlborough, Robert McClellan and his wife Stephanie of Canton, and Paul McClellan of North Conway, New Hampshire. She was a proud and loving Nana to Bailey, Sean, and Todd Mannix, Emily Sullivan, Riley Sullivan, Grace Sullivan, and Matthew Sullivan, and to the children of her stepsons -- Alexandra, Brittney, Rob, Jack, Ryan, and Leah. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend, Mary Ruth Geishecker.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Oscar Romero Church, Canton Thursday April 23rd at 11:00 am.  Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Thursday morning prior to the Mass from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.  Burial will follow the Mass at Canton Corner Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Assn athttp://www.alz.org. 

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