Mary Abeel Sullivan

Mary lived a full life which began 94 years ago and ended surrounded by family in Vero Beach, FL. She is survived by her son, Robert Brewster (Brenda), step-daughter Lynn Dooley (Jeffery), grandsons William Brewster (Beata), Mathew Brewster, Patrick Brewster (Maria), granddaughters Johanna Dooley and Rosie Dooley, and four beloved great-grandchildren Harrison, Theodore, Warren and Sophia Emma.

Mary was the cherished youngest child of a prominent Hackensack, NJ family along with three older siblings: Forster, Edith and Alice.

Mary touched the lives of many of her extended family members. She provided a steady homebase during difficult times for her nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Mary married George Brewster, also of Hackensack, NJ, in the late 1940’s. George was the son of William John Brewster, the well known road contractor that built most of the highways and byways in Northern NJ.

Many remember Mary for her competitive spirit. Mary never participated; she dominated in her pursuits. Growing up, she was active in her local children’s theater and ice skating. Her love of horses followed, along with a passion for tennis and golf. In 1950, pregnant with her first child, William “Bill” Brewster, she began playing golf. By the time her second son Robert “Bobby” Brewster, was born four years later she was on her way to winning many titles in the Women’s New Jersey League. She also celebrated 8 consecutive wins as Arcola CC champion. Along the way, her third son John Forster Brewster was born in 1962.

Mary wed Robert “Sully” Sullivan in the early 1970’s which brought Sully’s children Jeff Sullivan and Lynn Dooley into the family. Sully and Mary shared a joyous life filled with much love.

Among Mary’s greatest joys were her grandchildren, William (Billy), Matthew and Patrick Brewster, and Johanna and Rosie Dooley. William and his wife Beata gifted her with three great-grandchildren Harry, Teddy and Warren. And finally, she was blessed with the gift of a girl, Sophia Emma, by Patrick and his wife Maria.

It is difficult to think of Mary without thinking of her Thoroughbred race horses. For over 35 years she bred, trained and raced in the most famous venues including Churchill Downs, Saratoga, Belmont and Gulfstream to name a few. Her horse “Get Stormy” will forever be honored as one of the great turf horses of his time.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to “Old Friends” Thoroughbred Rescue in Lexington, KY.

https://oldfriendsequine.org

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the CC Van Emburgh Funeral Home, 306 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.