With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Paula Sullivan, a cherished wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who peacefully passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on June 17, 1951, in Lindsay, California, Paula brought warmth, kindness, and light to everyone she encountered.
Paula dedicated her life to nurturing and educating others as a special education teacher in the public school system. Her passion for helping children was more than a profession—it was her calling. She embraced that calling with grace, compassion, and unwavering commitment, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and their families.
Paula had a remarkable gift for caring for others and opened her heart and home whenever she was needed. Whether through her work as a teacher, her love for her family, or the quiet ways she supported those around her, she lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and selflessness. She loved deeply, gave freely, and made everyone around her feel welcomed and cared for.
A devoted member of the Southside Church of Christ in Ozark, Missouri, Paula shared a beautiful marriage with her beloved husband, John Sullivan. They were united in marriage on March 28, 2009, in San Diego, California, and together built a home filled with love, laughter, unwavering faith, and devotion to one another.
Paula is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, John Sullivan; her sons, Gabriel Baradat and his wife, Amy, and Matthew Baradat; her beloved stepson, Shaun Sullivan and his wife, Julie; and her beloved stepdaughter, Stephanie Alston. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Laird Baradat, Ryan Sullivan, Kaylee Sullivan, and Leilani Sullivan, along with her precious great-granddaughter, Sierra Sullivan-Abad.
She will also be deeply missed by her loving sisters, Rose Hinchliff, Janis Sartuche, and Pauline Sartuche; her brothers, Nick Sartuche and Rick Sartuche. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Dolores Sartuche.
A celebration of Paula’s life will be held at Southside Church of Christ at a later date.
Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in knowing that Paula’s legacy of kindness, compassion, faith, and unconditional love will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to her family will never be forgotten. She will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed.