1939-2026
Patricia Ann Sullivan Whalen, 86, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, surrounded by friends and family in Melbourne, FL. In true Pat fashion, she lived her life to the fullest until the very end.
Pat was born in Cincinnati, OH, on November 08, 1939, to Emmett and Janette Sullivan. She is preceded in death by her brother, James “Jim” (Dottie). Pat was a proud mother to two sons. She was preceded in death by son Christopher and is survived by son Michael (Diana.) She was a beloved grandmother to three granddaughters: Kari (Stephen), Kristi (Nick), and Kandice (Kyle) as well as six great-grandchildren: Aiden, Jackson, Austin, Skylar, Adrianna, and Ashton. Pat is also survived by countless friends, many nieces and nephews, and a loving sister-in-law, Phyllis.
Pat embodied the pursuit of happiness. She spent her years traveling the world, achieving Silver Life Master status by the American Contract Bridge League, and was deeply involved in social & card clubs: Lions Club International, ITPA (Independent Telecommunication Pioneers Association), Logan County Bridge Club, and Indian Lake Moose. She enjoyed attending the Catholic church (St. Patrick Church in Bellefontaine, OH and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Melbourne, FL) and enjoyed participating in many activities in and for the church.
She will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, her unfailing generosity, and her passion for life. Pat’s life was a testament to joy, cherishing your friends and family, and experiencing all that you can. There was never a game of cards that she wasn’t ready to play or a trip that she wasn’t excitedly planning.
She will be deeply missed by many and lovingly remembered. There’s not a single doubt to anyone that Pat is already enjoying a lively game of cards in Heaven.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Melbourne, Florida, on March 5, 2026; burial was at Fountainhead Cemetery in Melbourne.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bellefontaine, Ohio, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A celebration luncheon will follow at Makley Hall.
