Mary Ellen McHugh-Sullivan

SALEM – Mrs. Mary Ellen McHugh-Sullivan, 71, of Salem, loving wife of Howard W. Sullivan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Everett, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late William and Julia (Heelen) McHugh. She was raised and educated in Charlestown, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Cambridge in 1972 and continued her education at Boston State College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work.

Mary Ellen had a profound impact through her career in social work. For over 40 years, she worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, most recently as the Supervisor for the Department of Transitional Assistance in Salem. Her career path was a true calling born from her desire to help others, especially those in need. Her compassionate spirit and dedication to her work won the hearts of many. Her active mentoring of others throughout her career empowered a new generation of social workers, leaving a lasting legacy.

Aside from her professional career, Mary Ellen was an extremely talented artist who mastered the craft of scrimshaw, learning from artist and mentor Thomas DeMont, Jr. of Edgartown, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Mary Ellen was exceptional with the craft and was passionate about this historic form of maritime art. She shared her art with others as a longtime member of the Salem Arts Association. Mary Ellen religiously visited Martha’s Vineyard with her family, creating annual family traditions that will be carried on for generations to come. In her free time, Mary Ellen loved volunteering, whether it be at the Salem Arts Association, Northeast Animal Shelter, or the Immaculate Conception Church in Salem. She loved staying active and being outdoors: walking Salem’s historic streets, hiking, biking, kayaking, or spending time at the beach with her dogs. A lifelong dog lover, her home always held space for a canine companion; Nick, Axel, Greta, and Mickey all knew her love and care. Anyone who met Mary Ellen was privileged to have known true joy, which she carried throughout her life and was reflected in everything she pursued. Her indelible shine and nurturing spirit will be cherished forever and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her beloved husband Howie, with whom she shared 41 years of marriage, Mary Ellen is survived by her sons, Matthew J. Sullivan and his wife, Noorelle of Andover and Brian D. Sullivan and his wife, Julia Richmond of Portland, ME; her beloved grandson, Noah Sullivan of Andover; siblings, Michele McHugh of Salem, Karen McHugh and her companion, Bob Haley of Charlestown and Watertown, and Joseph McHugh and his wife, Cathy of Palm Coast, FL; sisters-in-law, Marianne Donovan and her husband, Mark of Captain Cook, HI, Maureen Jensen of Kingston, NH, and Marilyn Lee and her husband, John of Lynnfield as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear and loving friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mary Ellen’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Sunday, March 8th at 3 P.M. Visiting hours will be held prior to her service from 1 to 3 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ellen’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care, or to Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, a local conservation land trust for the island of Martha’s Vineyard.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

P.O. Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

dana-farber.org/gift

Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation

P.O. Box 3000, PMB 3162

West Tisbury, MA 02575

https://sheriffsmeadow.org/support-us/donate-online/

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com