Carol A. (Cronk) Sullivan

Carol (Cronk) Sullivan of Amesbury passed away recently after a brief illness. She was a therapist at Harborside Counseling, Newburyport and later had her own practice in the city, where she specialized in couples counseling.

Carol grew up in Lynn and graduated from Lynn Classical High School. She went on to Northeastern University where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism. Her career began as the first woman reporter in the newsroom at the Lynn Daily Evening Item. That was also where she met her husband, the late Paul Sullivan. He later spent many years working as a reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald.

Carol had many interests. She loved hiking with her sons and grandchildren; reading and traveling. She especially loved Paris and went there often. Most recently she went island hopping in the Bahamas and toured Alaska. One of her favorite local walks was the Salisbury Beach State Reservation. She also enjoyed reading, book club and films. 

The couple had two sons, James and Scott. Initially they lived in Stoneham but then moved to Melrose where they lived for over 20 years.

Carol resumed her work during that period at many local institutions. She edited publications for the Lynn and Union Hospital as well as Tri-City Community Mental Health. She also worked in association management, serving as executive director of the Malden Chamber of Commerce, as well as later on in the same capacity at the Burlington Business Round Table.

At age 50, Carol decided to return to school to study counseling psychology. Four years later, she graduated and went on to join the staff as a therapist at Harborside Counseling. It was there she discovered her passion for counseling. She loved her clients and enjoyed the challenges of the work. Carol also enjoyed living and working in Newburyport, as well as Amesbury. She retired in 2023.

Carol spent the last year of her life amongst her wonderful family, friends and neighbors at Hawkswood Estates at Point Shore in Amesbury.

She leaves her two beloved sons, James of Newburyport and Scott of Ayer. She also leaves two cherished grandchildren, Miles and Eliza Sullivan of Acton as well as their mother, Melissa Bernstein Sullivan, formerly of Newburyport. She further leaves her beloved partner and traveling companion of many years, Richard Carpenter of Danvers. Her beloved siblings are Janet Battles of Plymouth, Fred Cronk of Beverly and Jean DeThomas of Freedom, New Hampshire. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Kathleen Cronk of Lynn.

Family and friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday September 13, 2024 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Carol’s Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday September 14, 2024 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newburyport. Family and friends are asked to meet at Church. Her burial will be private at a later date.

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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