Madeline Sullivan, 89; insurance benefits expert

HOLBROOK -- Madeline F. (Hanney) Sullivan, a longtime Holbrook resident who spent her career helping state employees and retirees with insurance matters, died March 23 at Oak Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Middleborough. She was 89.

Born in Randolph, she was raised in Holbrook and attended Sumner High School, said her daughter, Barbara Hanley of Bridgewater. Mrs. Sullivan lived in Holbrook for about 40 years with her husband, the late Paul, whom she married when she was 22. She later moved to Dennis, then Taunton, and eventually settled with her daughter in Bridgewater.

Mrs. Sullivan felt strongly about helping others, her daughter said. She went to work in 1954 for the state's Group Insurance Commission in Boston, where she helped state employees settle health and life insurance issues. She worked there for about 25 years.

"My mother always said that she believed she was put on this earth to help people," said her daughter, who added that Mrs. Sullivan was also quick to assist family and friends with whatever they needed.

Mrs. Sullivan left the commission in 1979 and became an executive secretary for the Massachusetts State Retirees Association, where she aided retirees and widows with insurance matters.

People were always coming to Mrs. Sullivan with their problems, and she was a good listener who gave advice, her daughter said. Even after she retired in 1997, Mrs. Sullivan would field phone calls from people who needed help with insurance, and she was always willing to do what she could.

"She was a very giving person," her daughter said. "She was very loving, and always willing to help somebody."

Mrs. Sullivan loved to travel, and Bermuda was one of her favorite places to visit with her husband, her daughter said. She spent time in England, Ireland, and Israel, and Alaska. She also loved to knit, and made more than 100 sweaters and braided rugs.

Mrs. Sullivan was active in St. Joseph Church in Holbrook, and was a member of the choir. She was a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Holbrook and the Catholic Women's Guild.

In addition to her daughter, she leaves two other daughters, Patricia Corti of Holbrook and Carole Simone of Braintree; two brothers, Donald Hanney of Cape Cod and William Hanney of Florida; a sister, Betty Semensi of Carver; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.