Barbara Sullivan Mulligan - Obituary

arbara Sullivan Mulligan passed away on May 11, 2025, after a valiant second battle with cancer. Born on October 30, 1961, in Washington, D.C. to the late Robert C. and Barbara M. Sullivan, Barb was raised in Hillcrest Heights, MD, as the eighth of nine Sullivan children. She graduated from Holy Family Elementary School, La Reine High School, and the University of Maryland. Barb had a distinguished professional career, working in real estate, interior design, and sales, most recently with The Kellogg Collection. Barb was a woman of simple pleasures – playing tennis, listening to Van Morrison, and spending time at the beach were among her favorites. She most recently enjoyed making her new Bethany Beach house a home, furnishing it as only her keen eye could. Barb did not take any friend for granted, often reaching out to talk on the phone, grab coffee, or go for a walk. She was genuinely interested in her friends’ lives and hoped to keep them close. Barb also cherished her relationships with family, particularly in her role as sister and aunt, going out of her way to make sure their needs were taken care of first. She was there to celebrate the good times, but more importantly a shoulder to lean on during the bad times, often including a reminder to look at life with a “glass half-full” mentality. As a wife, Barb formed a great duo with her husband, Matt. They both had a passion for travel, pairing his sense of adventure with her meticulous attention to plan each detail of the itinerary. They spent much of the 80’s and 90’s traveling near and far, including Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and much more. Their last big trip was one of her favorites – a couple’s vacation to Brussels and Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. But what Barb loved most was being “Mom.” Selflessly dedicating herself to her sons through their schools, sports, and activities, Barb did everything in her power to demonstrate her love to her boys. During her time as “Mom,” her love knew no bounds and she made it her mission to care for them up until her last day. It is no surprise as to why the Lord decided to call her home on, of all days, Mother’s Day. Barb fought quietly and fought hard - she will be forever loved and forever missed. In addition to her parents, Barb was predeceased by her sisters, Janet Jannetti and Theresa David. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Matt; her sons, Matthew and Daniel; her siblings Rob (Susie) Sullivan, Kathy (Ron) Dopkowski, JK (Gloria) Sullivan, Sharon (Jeff) Lizama, Christine Welch, and Danny (Linda) Sullivan and many nieces, nephews and other beloved family members. Friends are invited to celebrate Barb’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, May 16 from 4 to 7 pm and at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 9200 Kentsdale Dr, Potomac, MD on Saturday, May 17 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Barb’s father, Rob, to the Gonzaga College High School ’44 Club scholarship (gonzaga.org). Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.