Dorothy Sullivan

Dorothy “Doe” Sullivan, a lifelong, proud resident of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at the Elegant Care home in Chandler, Arizona.  Doe died just three months short of her 100th birthday.  

Dorothy Phyllis Chase was born on December 10, 1923 to Victor Newton Chase and Lucy Pauline (Beatt) Chase.  She attended Grand Forks public schools – Roosevelt Elementary, South Junior High, and Central High School, graduating in 1941.  Doe married James Timothy Sullivan on May 23, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks.  She met her beloved James where they were both employed – at the Great Northern Railroad depot.  She later worked as the office manager at the Alphson Law Office until her retirement.  

Doe and Jim built the very first house in the Letnes Addition on Sunset Drive in Grand Forks in 1954.  Sixty-two years later, Doe was the last of the original residents to leave the block.  

Doe and Jim spent much of their early time together in the company of their many relatives and friends, and they enjoyed ice skating at the local rinks.  There were also many hours spent in their steam-filled kitchen canning fruits and vegetables.  During her private time while Jim was out drumming with the Vern Malafa Band, Doe was an avid book reader, she solved jigsaw puzzles, knitted, and would tackle the daily Grand Forks Herald crossword puzzle.  

There is so much to admire about our mom.  She played sports throughout her student years (basketball being her favorite), and her love of sports continued through her adult life, during which she was a superb bowler, curler, and golfer.  In fact, Doe took home the championship trophy in the Lincoln Park Women’s Golf Club tournament in 1962.  Doe was also an accomplished bridge player and enjoyed playing all kinds of card games with her family and countless number of friends.  

It must be mentioned that Doe became an excellent cook for her family, apparently much to the surprise of those who knew her growing up.  Doe grew into a first-rate bread baker and was renowned for her “buns” which she shared, much to the delight of family and friends.  

Dorothy Sullivan is lovingly remembered by her daughter Kathy Sullivan-Orton and her husband Roy Orton who reside in Mesa, AZ, and her son Timothy James Sullivan and his wife Julia Benitez Sullivan who live in Mission, TX.  Dorothy is also survived by her three grandchildren – Bradie S. Orton, James B. Sullivan, and Clayton J. Orton (Lisa), and three great-grandchildren – Haleigh, Claire, and Benjamin Orton, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.  

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, her brother Robert Chase, and her sister Marjorie Boynton Moynahan.  

The Sullivan family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many wonderful relatives, friends, and neighbors who gave their time and assistance to Doe in her later years, and to Sharon Krystofik and her caregivers at Elegant Care for the outstanding care given to Doe following her move to Arizona.  

Amundson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.  A graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery (North) on Oct. 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.  

For those wishing to make a donation in honor of Dorothy, due to the enjoyment she had using the facilities, parks, and courses, please consider the Grand Forks Parks and Recreation Foundation, P.O. Box 12429, Grand Forks, ND 58208  https://www.gfparksfoundation.org  or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014  https://www.hov.org  which provided care support services.