Josephine G. (Lanni) Sullivan

Mrs. Josephine (Lanni) Sullivan, of Wayland, formerly of Weston, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. She was 95.

Born on April 12, 1928, Josephine was the daughter of Angelo and Nancy (Arcari) Lanni. She was born, raised and educated in Boston, and a graduate of East Boston High School.

On November 12, 1951 she married the love of her life Stephen J. Sullivan in Boston. The couple lived in both Boston and Halifax, Nova Scotia for a time before settling in Weston to raise their family. They cherished sixty-two years of marriage together before Stephen's passing in 2014.

After raising her family, at age 50, Josephine took a part time position at the Weston public schools where she was a teacher’s aide, along with taking on administrative duties. She held that position until she retired 22 years later. She was well respected and appreciated by all who had the pleasure of working with her.

Josephine possessed an array of talents that showcased her resourcefulness and creativity. As a highly skilled seamstress, she could sew anything from drapery to beautiful dresses. She also had an eye for interior design and took great pride in restoring furniture, painting walls, and refinishing floors. She also loved gardening, baking, reading, and her Catholic faith.

The Sullivan household was known for Josephine's warm hospitality and culinary skills. Whether she was hosting family gatherings or entertaining her husband's colleagues at dinner parties, she was always gracious and generous towards her guests. In addition to these joyful occasions at home, the family created many happy memories while traveling across the United States and Europe.

Most of all she loved being a mother and grandmother, helping and encouraging her children and grandchildren to always keep striving for whatever they dreamed. She touched many lives for the better, both friends and family, and she will always be remembered for her strength and determination.

In addition to her beloved husband, she was also predeceased by her sister, Mary Preziosi.

She leaves her children, Stephen Sullivan and his wife, Patricia, of San Diego, California, Diane Reichlen and her husband, Warren, of Andover, David Sullivan of Marlboro and Janet Sullivan and her husband, Darren Greene, of Wellesley; her grandchildren, Michael and his wife Lisa, Kristopher and his wife Erin, Scott and his wife Colleen, Jaime and her husband Thomas, and Aidan; her great-grandchildren, Madison, Jack, Emma, Charlie, Jaylen, and Mason; her sister Nina Taylor of Newton, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Josephine’s life by gathering to visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, December 12th in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham before leaving in procession to Saint Julia's Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Weston.

Memorial donations in Josephine’s name may be made to The Alzheimer's Association at: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=853496&fr_id=1060&pg=fund