WELLS – Pamela Sullivan, a devoted mother and grandmother, gifted therapist, and lifelong advocate for justice and compassion, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in New York City, N.Y, in 1942, Pamela later moved with her family to a farmhouse in Albion, Maine. At 12, she enrolled at Concord Academy in Massachusetts, where she discovered a passion for social activism – beginning a lifelong commitment to standing up for what she believed in and never sitting quietly.

She attended Bennington College in Vermont in 1960, and in 1964, she returned to New York City, N.Y. to begin her career as a copywriter at Ogilvy & Mather, working on campaigns for numerous prestigious brands.

In 1966, Pamela married her soulmate, Richard Sullivan. When Richard was drafted and stationed in Germany, Pamela joined him, because love doesn’t wait. They welcomed their son, Matthew, while there in 1969.

Upon returning to the U.S., Pamela pursued a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy while Richard attended law school. In 1974, their daughter, Lauren, was born, completing the family that would become the driving force of Pamela’s life.

In 1979, Pamela opened her private therapy practice in Kennebunk, where she became a trusted guide for individuals, couples, and women’s groups. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 and undergoing a mastectomy, Pamela transformed her personal experience into a source of strength for others.

Pamela lost her beloved Richard in 2005 to Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a profound loss she met with grace and resilience.

She is survived by her son Matthew, daughter Lauren, son-in-law, Adam; and her wonderful grandchildren Finn, Sloan, and Julian.

Pamela loved learning, reading, painting, walking the beach, swimming, gardening, Italian food, Prosecco, and meaningful conversation. She believed in kindness, creativity, and the importance of asking thoughtful questions.

With those she held closest, we’ll come together this fall to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dempsey Center or that a quiet moment be taken to walk in nature, share a kind word, hug a loved one, or raise a glass of Prosecco in her memory.