Jean Sullivan McMahon

Jean Sullivan McMahon of Rochester, NY, passed away February 13, 2025.

Jean was born on June 21, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to the late John M. and Amelia Sullivan. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School and earned her Bachelor's degree and RN from Northwestern University.

Jean met her husband, Bob, while living at the YMCA and completing her last year of nursing training. He was a resident at the hospital and also lived at the Y. They married in 1949. To support Bob during his residency, Jean worked part-time at the hospital before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

In 1952, they moved to Rochester, where Bob grew up, to start his ENT practice. Jean helped in the office when needed but primarily stayed home while raising their five children. She enjoyed volunteering with her Seton group, being a den mother, and trying new activities like water skiing, snow skiing, and figure skating, even passing her Silver dances alongside Bob. They loved to travel, and she often said Bob had "sand in his shoes."

In 1973, Bob and Jean moved to Pittsford NY, where Jean began volunteering with the Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance service, worked as a docent at the Memorial Art Gallery, and started her own party planning business called "Confetti and Rice." They both enjoyed playing golf and were members of Monroe Golf Club.

After Bob retired from his medical practice in 1986, they moved to Pinehurst, NC, and joined the Pinehurst Country Club. There, Jean continued golfing, playing tennis, and later joined a dance group for those over 55 called the Silver Foils.

In her 60s, Jean took and passed her nursing license exam in North Carolina. She worked part-time in the Orthopedic Department at Moore County Hospital. In 2006, three years after Bob's passing, Jean returned to Rochester to be closer to family. She quickly found a part-time job at the Episcopal Church Home in the rehab unit. After leaving that position, she volunteered at the Wilmot Cancer Center for a while and continued to enjoy golf, euchre, and mahjong well into her 90s.

Jean is survived by her five children: Greg (Stephanie) McMahon, Sue (Howie) Baumer, Steve (Linda) McMahon, Robert (Barbara) McMahon, and Barb (David) Gerwig; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband Bob and her three siblings, Mary, John and Mark.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the kind and compassionate care provided by the Strong Hospital Pallitive Care Unit.

A Mass of Christian Burial and interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery at the families convenience

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, or the UR Wilmot Cancer Center.