71, of Colchester
Susan “Tootie” Joan (Brown) Sullivan, 71, of Colchester passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 7, 2025. She was born January 15, 1954, to Herbert and Patsy (Green) Brown in Macomb, IL. On July 17, 1970, Tootie married the love of her life, Milt Sullivan, at the Colchester Christian Church.
Tootie attended Colchester High School, and then spent a number of years as a stay-at-home mom. Milt and Tootie owned and operated Milt’s Snack Bar. In the years they spent there, many memories were made and many friendships amongst the kids that hung out there were created. She was briefly a union laborer, but her greatest joy and benefit to her family was being Daycare Grandma to all her grandchildren.
Tootie leaves many broken hearts with her passing; she is survived by her husband of 55 years, Milt of Colchester. Two daughters, Jamie Sullivan and Gretchen (Mark) Sullivan and one son, Cory Sullivan all of Colchester. Grandchildren: Ben (Kelsey) Broadhead of Colchester; Sydney (Kelli) Zimmerhead of Clayton, IL; Connor Sullivan of Macomb; Payton Broadhead (Ray Crowl) of Burlington, IA; Andrew Sullivan of Colchester; Aidan Sullivan of Colchester, and Cody (Leigh) Peffer of Colchester. She was blessed with two great-granddaughters: Finley and Adley Broadhead of Colchester. Her brother Michael (Sandy) Brown of Abingdon, IL; two brothers-in-law Pat (Terri) Sullivan and Mike (Debbie) Sullivan, all of Colchester; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless others who filled her heart with joy.
Tootie was greeted in heaven by her parents Herb and Patsy Brown, and her in-laws Russell and Arlene Sullivan.
Tootie enjoyed the simple things in life including spending time with family at family game nights (you always wanted to be on her team!), nights out listening to music and two-stepping on the dancefloor, hosting Thirsty Thursday coffee hour, and especially cherished the 35 wonderful years spent at their family cabin as a river rat on the Mississippi River. She enjoyed gambling and playing cards. The grandkids were lucky enough to be spoiled by her at “Grandma’s Daycare” in their early years prior to starting school including many fun summers with her. She was also their biggest cheerleader at all of their school events through the years (“two hands on that ball!” and “get your hands up!”). She was one of those women who was born to be a mom and grandma, and she was always considered the “cool” one. She was kind, always the life of the party, and easy to talk to, which drew people toward her.
We would like to thank the wonderful caregivers with MDH Hospice for treating Tootie and her family with their compassionate and respectful care in these last few weeks. Also, special thanks to the Illinois CancerCare team for their exceptional care over the last few years.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Colchester. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorials can be made to MDH Hospice or Colchester District Library Children Programs.
Condolences and memories can be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com.
