Susan Diane Sullivan entered into eternal life on July 9, 2025. She was born on June 23, 1960 in Washington, D.C. to Carl Brown and Gay Boles.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Christopher Sullivan; son Michael Sullivan and his wife Jacqueline; father Carl Brown and his wife Judith; mother Gay Boles; brother Steven Brown and his wife Teresa; brother Randal Brown and his wife Pamela; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Susan was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend and colleague. Her love of life, family, friends, and work left an indelible impact on all who knew her. Susan was altogether loving, funny, caring, genuine, graceful, forgiving, intelligent and talented. Her genuine, thoughtful and empathetic personality was deeply admired and respected. Susan was also extremely funny with a sense of humor that was amusing, playful, witty and lighthearted. Her often disarming style opened people up and created lifelong connections.
Susan answered the call of public service as a devoted Marine Corps spouse; an on-the-ground relief worker for Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans; a project outreach coordinator for disadvantaged communities in Washington, DC; a volunteer supporting wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; and an advocate and donor for countless animal rescue and humane society charities. Susan also cared for numerous rescue animals, including her current dog, Sallie.
Susan enjoyed a distinguished business career spanning five decades, and was a recognized expert and pioneer in the field of legal operations and related IT software and systems. Employers included numerous law firms; Fannie Mae; Hilton Hotels; Albertsons; and SDS Business Services – her own LLC.
Susan traveled the world, lived in a foreign country, and broke bread with people from many cultures. She loved and played music including guitar and piano, and was the lead singer in her Brother Randy’s band in her youth. Susan was a superb cook of many culinary styles, a voracious reader of novels, a huge fan of comedy; and a highly skilled knitter. Susan loved and played sports, especially tennis, golf and softball; and was an amateur, college and professional sports fanatic.
On July 25 from 10:00-11:00 AM, there will be a funeral service for Susan at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria, Virginia.
Susan will be cremated in accordance with her wishes while awaiting burial at Arlington National Cemetery in the near future.
The family requests donations in memory of Susan to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer Center. Please note: the ability to enter Susan’s name becomes available after the payment is processed.
