Katy Jo Thomas

Katy Jo Thomas (Sullivan): A Life Remembered Early Life and Education Katy Jo Thomas (Sullivan), aged 74, of Wellington, FL, passed away on August 29, 2025, at Bethesda West Hospital due to chronic lung disease. Born on January 16, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Alice and Louis Sullivan, Katy's journey began in the heart of the Midwest. Family and Personal Life Katy's story with her husband, Dennis, began in 1967 when they dated as teenagers. Their bond continued as they both attended Cleveland State University, where Katy earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1973. The couple married in 1971, embarking on a partnership that would last 53 years. In 1973, Katy relocated to South Florida, spending 12 years in Broward County before settling in Wellington in 1986, where she lived for 39 years. Community and Church Involvement A dedicated member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, Katy served as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister and later coordinated services for parishioners in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and the homebound. She was actively involved in the parish's Council of Catholic Women (CCW), serving as an officer and ultimately as President before her chronic lung disease diagnosis in 2010. Professional Career Katy devoted herself to education, teaching elementary school initially in Broward County and then for 13 years in Palm Beach County Schools. In 1996, she earned a master's degree in Elementary Education from Barry University. She went on to become Assistant Principal at Cypress Trails Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach, FL, a position she held for 11 years until her retirement due to illness. Family and Legacy Katy is survived by her husband, Dennis; her children, Alison Prinyavivatkul (Sira) and Mark (Kristin); grandchildren, Kalaya and Malee; her brother, Thomas Sullivan (Kristen); niece Caleigh; and nephew Clay. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Julie Ann Thomas, and Julie's partner, Laura Eakin. Katy was predeceased by her parents, Alice and Louis, and her sisters-in-law, Kathleen Radon and Susan Berry. Services and Remembrance Arrangements are provided by Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL. A viewing will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, FL, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00am. Charitable donations in Katy's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.