Barbara J. Sullivan

Barbara Sullivan, age 83, passed away peacefully, in her home, after a short illness on December 3, 2025.

Barb was born on April 27, 1942, to parents John and Trudy Peters. She attended and graduated from Lynden High School in 1960. She retired from Larson Gross after 50 years, where she made many lifelong friends.

In 1963, she met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Sullivan. They were married two years later on July 24, 1965 at St. John's Lutheran Church. Soon after, they purchased the farm where Barb grew up, a place that became home for the next 55 years and the heart of countless memories.

Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found her greatest joy in time spent with family. She will be remembered for being warm and welcoming to anyone who entered her home. She loved hosting and baking treats to share. A birthday or anniversary never went by without a card, text, or email. She loved others well.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband in September 2024, whom she lovingly cared for into his final days in his battle with Alzheimer’s.

She is survived by her children: Kristine (Steve) Tjoelker and their children, Trent Tjoelker, Kazia (Ben) VanderPol; Kelley (Barry) DeZeeuw and their children, Rachel (Joe) Crape, and Lance (Makenna) DeZeeuw; and Tim (Belinda) Sullivan and their son, Carson Sullivan; five great-grandchildren, Kellen, Sadie and Sam Crape, and Brody and Kyla DeZeeuw; sister, Vonnie (Danny) Fitzgerald; brother Larry (Judi) Peters; brother-in-law, Terry (Judy) Sullivan; sister-in-law, Sharon Maness; and good friend and neighbor, Kathy Miller.

A private graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Lynden, where Barb will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.