Obituary for
Marta L. Sullivan (Stuen)
Marta Louise Sullivan (Stuen-Parker) of Leominster, MA died on July 17, 2017 after a brief, but courageous battle with Lung Cancer. Everyone that came into contact with Marta whether it be for minutes or years was impacted by her positive outlook on life and her compassion that she conveyed. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she will be deeply missed. Selfless is the single word that would epitomize Marta and who she was. Born in Brookline, MA on January 21, 1952 and raised in Boston; she was the eldest of six brothers and sisters. Following graduation from St. Anne's High School in Arlington, MA (1968), she earned her BA in History from Franklin Pierce University (1972), BS in Nursing from Regis College (1993) and her MS in Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Boston (1997). She was employed as a nurse for 35 years at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston, working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) retiring in December 2016. While employed at BWH she served with distinction in the US Army Reserve Completing 23 years of service as a nurse and retiring as a Major (O-4). Although most would have a great sense of pride for any of those accomplishments, Marta was most proud of her family. Marta most enjoyed family time either at her cottage in Amherst, New Hampshire on Damon Pond or hosting holiday parties. Marta is survived by her husband Brian Sullivan of Leominster, MA, her children Ashley Koehler of Norwich, CT and Kinnon Ryan of Abington, MA. Marta had six grandchildren: Luke Galgana, Gillian Melville, Aiden Ryan, Ethan Melville, Gavin Ryan and Katherine Koehler. Marta is also survived by her siblings Jon Stuen of Brisbane, Australia, Richard Parker of Newburyport, MA, Jaime Parker of Malden, MA, Merry Mansir of Newburyport, MA and Jill Parker-Nazario of Norwood, MA. Marta also had a brother Theodore Parker of Boston, MA who was predeceased. Marta will be laid to rest at private ceremony with family members in New Hampshire.
