Marie Sullivan DeAngelis

Marie Sullivan DeAngelis, 76, a resident of Berlin, Maryland, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Born in Peru, NY on May 9, 1948, she was the daughter of Charles Sullivan and Margaret “Peggy” (Farren) Sullivan. She graduated from State University of New York – Plattsburgh class of 1969 and later earned a Masters of Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University. She thrived in education for more than four decades, teaching preschool, second grade, and gifted and talented science and mathematics before becoming an Administrator of Elementary Curriculum for the Howard County (Maryland) Public School System. She was especially passionate about girls in STEM. After many joyous years impacting students and colleagues alike, she retired in 2014.

Marie was known as ever-optimistic, always seeing the good and encouraging family and friends to persevere, no matter the situation – a lesson she demonstrated herself. “Make lemonade out of lemons” was a constant Marie refrain. She was a catalyst in building relationship bonds, motivating colleagues, hosting holiday traditions, and ensuring joyful everyday memories. Marie’s family and friends will especially remember her magical caroling parties, holiday ziti and apple pie, and birthday celebrations, including the unique neighborhood “Jesus Birthday Party” Christmas tradition. Marie was the gold standard example for her daughter and son of how to balance demanding professional responsibilities while prioritizing family–a bar they will continue to try to reach as gracefully as their mom! From the early years of waiting tables on weekends while teaching during the week, to the middle years of obtaining a Masters while raising kids and teaching full time, to her late-career senior roles with the Board of Education, Marie never missed an important game, recital, event, or celebration and would drop anything at work to help family and friends. Always with a smile on her face, Marie enjoyed time with her family, six grandchildren, and dear lifelong friends spanning relationships from high school and college in upstate New York, to her “OWLs” (old ‘wise’ ladies) in Columbia, MD, to her cherished friends and companions in Berlin, MD.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her brothers Charles “Buddy” and Kevin Sullivan. She is survived by her daughter Romi Garvey (Eric); her son Garth DeAngelis (Kristin); her six grandchildren Connor Garvey-Dorheim (Kalyn), Leah Garvey, Andrew Garvey, Parker DeAngelis, Lila DeAngelis, and Brynn DeAngelis; her nieces and nephew, their families, and other extended family; her lifelong friends Susan Sitek, Pam Ampagoomian, Colleen Kardos, Sharon Strain, Rusty Wills, Jackie Sabourin and her many other school, college, work, and home friendships that sustained her, especially during these recent years.

A memorial celebration will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here.