Michelle Sullivan Obituary: Queensbury UFSD Retired Counselor Passes Away at 65
Queensbury, NY – April 15, 2025
The Queensbury Union Free School District (UFSD) is mourning the sudden passing of Michelle Sullivan, a beloved retired counselor at Queensbury Middle School. She passed away on April 15, 2025, leaving a profound impact on the school community, where she dedicated 25 years of service. Known for her dedication, compassion, and advocacy for students, Michelle Sullivan’s death marks a significant loss for the Queensbury UFSD and those fortunate enough to know her.
Michelle Sullivan began her career with Queensbury UFSD at Queensbury Middle School, where she spent the majority of her professional life shaping the futures of countless students. After retiring in recent years, she continued to remain deeply connected to the school community. As a counselor, she was not only an advocate for the well-being of her students but also a mentor and friend who always made herself available, no matter the circumstances.
During her tenure at the school, Michelle was instrumental in programs such as the Snack Pack Program and the Global Community Advisors, both of which left lasting legacies. Her dedication to these programs exemplified her passion for supporting students beyond the classroom and ensuring their success both academically and emotionally.
Nick McPartland, the principal of Queensbury Middle School, remembered Michelle as someone who had a “conviction and willingness to do exactly what was needed for students to be successful.” He added, “Her impact will live on for a very long time. She’ll be missed by all at the middle school.”
Michelle’s passion for education was matched only by her devotion to her family. She met the love of her life, Michael Sullivan, at an early age. Together, they raised three children, Maddie, Isabelle, and Jack, and created a home filled with love, laughter, and support. As a mother and wife, Michelle’s unwavering commitment to her family was evident to all who knew her.
In a heartfelt tribute, her lifelong friend Elissa Halloran described Michelle as “one of my first friends, my best friend, someone I thought would be a forever friend.” Halloran spoke of the deep connection they shared over decades, recalling fond memories of shopping excursions and the endless conversations that spanned over 45 years of friendship. “Michelle will never be forgotten,” Halloran wrote. “She was truly a beacon of light in this sometimes dark world.”
Michelle’s family, including her husband Michael and their three children, Maddie, Isabelle, and Jack, were the center of her life. Her love for them was described as boundless, with her family being “her sun, moon, and stars.”
Michelle’s impact extended beyond the classroom and her immediate family. She was a friend to many, known for her quick wit, fashion sense, and vibrant enthusiasm for life. She was often the person who could bring a smile to anyone’s face, making her not just a colleague but a confidante and a friend. Tyler Carey, a colleague, honored Michelle as “the personification of kindness, beauty, and class.” He reflected on her lasting impact on the Queensbury community, noting that the school district “will never be the same.”
As the Queensbury community processes this great loss, the district’s crisis teams have been assembled to offer support to students, faculty, and staff. School counselors, psychologists, and social workers will be available starting Monday, April 21, 2025, and continue to offer assistance as needed.
Michelle Sullivan’s death leaves a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her dedication to her students, her family, and her community will never be forgotten. As the Queensbury UFSD and Michelle’s family and friends remember her, they do so with gratitude for the indelible mark she left on their lives.
She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Sullivan, and their three children, Maddie Sullivan, Isabelle Sullivan, and Jack Sullivan, as well as her wide circle of friends, colleagues, and former students, all of whom were touched by her kindness and dedication.
In these difficult times, the thoughts and prayers of the entire Queensbury UFSD community are with Michelle’s family. Michelle’s spirit will continue to live on in the lives she touched, and she will forever be remembered as a dedicated counselor, loving wife, mother, and friend.
Michelle Sullivan’s legacy is a testament to a life well-lived—one of service, love, and unwavering support for others. May she rest in peace.
