Sara Sullivan, 52, Roscoe's volunteer staff leader and life-long Chicago resident, died Aug. 15 following a 27-year battle with Lupus.
Kevin Putz relayed Sullivan's death to Windy City Times.
Sullivan was active within the LGBT community for 20 years as a straight ally.
She was born May 21, 1963 in Chicago and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. Her father served as Mayor Richard J. Daley's press secretary for a number of years.
Sullivan is survived by her parents Sally and Frank Sullivan, sister Molly Sullivan ( Hon. Thomas Murphy ), brother Matt Sullivan, nephew Bo Turek, nieces Eleanor Turek and Clare Sullivan, goddaughter Riley Somers, friend Lucas Hawkins, many cousins and a large circle of friends.
She founded Chicago Bride magazine in the mid-1990s and was also the publications editor-in-chief. Additionally, she sold all the ads for the 48 issues of her dad's magazine, Avenue M, many from her hospital bed.
In 2001, Sullivan was featured in a Chicago Tribune article alongside other individuals with Lupus.
"Sara possessed the most glorious personality any of us has ever encountered in this world, along with immense kindness and a natural leadership which drew everyone to her," said Frank Sullivan. "Arriving at a mainly boys school, she was immediately elected the first woman class president. In the business realm, she was a universally effective salesperson who drew everyone to her. She also had proven creative skills. Most of all, in her entire short life, she deserved the summation of the special award the nuns who taught her awarded her all those years ago'To Sara Sullivan, For Spreading Joy.' That's what she always didand will now do in heaven. From her mother, father, sister, brother, nieces and nephew. We love you Sara forever and we will constantly be lonely without your vibrant presence to enrich our daily lives."
Lucas Hawkins, long-time friend and editorial hairstylist, said, "Sara was on the board of the Lupus Foundation of Illinois and she took the job very seriously. She single-handily put Lupus on the map and was always an advocate for the under-dog. I remember how driven she was when we traveled to Springfield to raise awareness and money for Lupus research. Sara believed everyone deserved a chance and most importantly a second chance at a great life.
"Sara and I would be out and about doing whatever and if a homeless person walked up to us it was their lucky day because she always slipped them 20 dollars. She never judged them or anyone else for that matter. She had the biggest heart out of everyone I've known and I'll miss her terribly."
"Sara brought such creativity and enthusiasm to our community in so many ways that words won't be able to describe," said Jim Ludwig, long-time friend and owner and founder of Roscoe's. "She handled physical adversity with such grace and generosity always making you feel that she could accomplish anything. She appreciated and listened to so many HIV-positive people with optimism and helped them with their self image. Anyone she dealt with felt important and blessed to know her including myself.
"She was a major influence in building the Roscoe's brand and the image of Northalsted to always to be inclusive and welcoming to diverse elements beyond just the gay male majority that frequent Halsted Street. I was fortunate to collaborate with her on developing the community managed Space Park project for Triangle Neighbors Association, craft the look and feel of Northalsted Market Days and the Chicago Pride Parade for Roscoe's and reorienting the difficult collaborations of residential and commercial improvements in the city streetscape programs for Halsted Street in Boystown."
"Sara's courage and optimism radiated from her smile even when she faced the never ending complications of Lupus," said Putz, long-time friend and president/creative director of Toolbox, Inc. "She rightfully had much to complain about, but she rarely did. Sara and I would spend hours on the phone trading hospital war stories often with her trademark humorous spin. Her sense of humor was always the best antidote for feeling down. I'll forever miss her positive spirit and caring, selfless generosity."
A visitation will take place Saturday, Aug. 22, at 12 p.m. at Christ The King Parish 9235 S. Hamilton St. just prior to the 12:30 p.m. funeral.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that all donations go to the Lupus Society of Illinois ( www.lupusil.org ) via the organizations donation link or by check to 525 W. Monroe St. #900, Chicago, IL 60661.