Obituary of Linda Pawlik Sullivan

Linda Pawlik Sullivan, MN, RN January 15, 2012 at age 59. Survived by her loving husband Daniel Patrick and son Patrick Joseph Sullivan. Sisters-in-heart Jane Lyons Patterson, Cathy Reda-Cheplowitz, Terri Giraulo, Joan DeMarle-Oberlin and Laura Speis. Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Audrey Pawlik and in-laws John and Madeline Sullivan. Linda died after a valiant battle with gastric cancer having successfully fought off cancer several times before. She was a wonderful friend to many; helped so many through both professional challenges and personal crises. Her calm tone, seasoned reasoning, warm smile and comforting hug will be remembered by all those who knew her. Linda was an advanced practice nurse/clinical nurse specialist. She brought exceptional knowledge and wisdom to the numerous positions she held. She worked for 31 years in Rochester starting her career as a pediatric nurse specialist for the US Army in Fort Ord, CA. Even during her final bout with cancer, she was sending clinical articles and updates to staff. Linda was an advanced practice nurse/clinical nurse specialist. Most recently, she worked at The Monroe Plan where she brought exceptional knowledge and wisdom to her position there. She mentored almost all of the case management staff when they came to The Monroe Plan. She was both a clinical go to person as well as a counsel to those in need of talking. She served on multiple committees and was responsible for the development of case management programs for pain, congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary artery disease. She updated the asthma program and oversaw training for pediatric office staff in the community. She was the driving force in most of the program development, offering her vast knowledge and research on topics. Most recently she worked on the care transition program, a new model of care to our community. She partnered not just with the local providers, but was a sought after resource of information for the staff in Colorado who developed the program. She was viewed as an expert in the area of working with individuals who received Medicaid. She provided information to physicians and practices that allowed staff to work more effectively. Even during her final bout with cancer, she was sending clinical articles and updates to staff to make sure that they stayed current with the medical research. Prior to working at the Monroe Plan she worked at the Greater Rochester Independent Practice Association as a Geriatric Advance Practiced Nurse. Linda worked at Rochester General Hospital where she provided excellent patient care and staff development. She also worked at the Monroe Community Hospital providing patient and staff education, at the Visiting Nurse Service managing the Oncology/Palliative Care/Infusion Programs and at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Medical Oncology Unit. Linda graduated from Keuka College with her BSN and UCLA with her MN with distinction. She also completed the Post Master’s Certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from Syracuse University. Prior to moving to Rochester Linda was a Captain in the US Army Nurse Corp, Fort Ord, CA. Linda knew everyone in the local medical community. If she didn’t know them directly, she knew someone who knew them. She brought far more than her knowledge which was expansive to this community. She brought a wise and empathetic presence to everyone she touched. She will be missed tremendously by so many. Linda’s visitation will be Friday, January 20 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm at Miller Funeral Home, 3325 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623. (Click for a Map to the Funeral Home) Her remembrance service will begin at 1 pm Saturday, January 21 at the Interfaith Chapel of the funeral home Click Here. Home Rochester Birthplace Buffalo, NY Donations Pluta Cancer Center Patients' Needs Fund 125 Red Creek Drive #101 Rochester, NY 14623 Link to the Website American Pain Society (In Memory of Linda Pawlik Sullivan) 4700 West Lake Avenue Glenview, IL 60025 Link to the Website