Molly (Scherf) Sullivan

Ms. Molly (Scherf) Sullivan, of Waltham, died on September 13, 2019. She was 90 years old.

Molly was born on February 22, 1929 in Dinslaken, a small town located in Northwest Germany. She was one of five children of the late Joseph and Gertrude (Kaiser) Scherf.

They say that some of the best things in life are the people we love, the places we've seen and the memories we've made along the way . . . and no saying stood truer for Molly; in her 90 years of life she cherished each day doing the things she loved, surrounded by the people she loved even more. She was the type that could make friends anywhere she went. With unwavering courage she left Germany at a young age to embark on a new life in the United States not knowing a single soul in her new country. As daunting as it sounds, it wasn't long before Molly was firmly rooted as she raised and supported her family working as a lab assistant in the Biochemistry Department at Brandeis University in Waltham.

She took a liking to popular TV shows and pastimes of the period – Golden Girls was among her favorites, as well as the game shows that would air each week. She was second to none at a good game of cards and was always looking for the ultimate win in the game Yahtzee. In the event she couldn't find a partner to play with, she loved solving word searches or perfecting her famous recipes. Molly never let herself stay idle for too long; she always kept her hands busy and loved doing any activity, especially when it involved family. Reunions with her sisters always brought lots of laughs and memories, and she always welcomed visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Along with her life-loving spirit and sweet personality, her friends and family will always remember Molly's incredible cooking and baking. Her creations were always the star dish of each family party and were requested by friends and neighbors alike. Anyone who had the opportunity to sit at her table could understand that no matter how full they were after her delicious meals there was always room for her German treats that were so 'sehr lecker' (very delicious). Molly truly loved her adopted country where she watched her children grow but always stayed close to her German heritage. She loved trips back to her homeland visiting family and attending festivals. Molly also made some of her favorite memories at Castle Island where a fun time was guaranteed.

Molly is reunited with her beloved son, David Sullivan, who passed away in 2005, and her siblings, Sigrid Schmeer and Klaus Scherf.

She leaves her children, Donald Sullivan (Gayle) and Janice Sullivan, both of Waltham, her daughter-in-law, Lorraine Sullivan of Framingham, her grandchildren, Jeffrey, David, and Paul Sullivan (Jillian), and Amy Sullivan Pierce (Eric), and her great-grandson, Henry Benjamin Pierce. She also leaves her siblings, Gertrude Mook (Donald) of Minnesota, Ursula Pannozzo, her sister-in-law Erika Scherf and many nieces and nephews, all of Germany.

Family and friends will honor and remember Molly's life by gathering for calling hours on Saturday, September 28 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, where her funeral service will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Maristhill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 66 Newton Street, Waltham, MA 02453, or to a charity of your choice.