Kelly O’Sullivan passed quietly, in peace, on December 9, 2022.
Kelly was born in November of 1966 in Wilmington, DE. She spent her early years living in New Castle, DE and for a short period of time lived in Puerto Rico with her family, where her mother passed along her love for horticulture to Kelly. She returned to Wilmington where she attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School. Kelly and her family enjoyed the IHM community and the families with whom they made lifelong bonds.
Kelly went on to graduate from Mt. Pleasant High School. Upon graduation, Kelly received a scholarship for horticulture and attended the University of Delaware. She graduated from the school of Agriculture with a focus in ornamental horticulture. As the lead grower at Penny Hill Greenhouses in North Wilmington, her talent was discovered by growers at Longwood Gardens when they needed to quickly supplement a major shortage of poinsettias. When they came across Kelly’s meticulous and outstanding crop, at a major scale, they recruited her into their operation as a grower. Establishing herself quickly as a talented grower, she went on to be celebrated for her skills with not only poinsettias, but also the Asian chrysanthemum displays as well as the rare Himalayan blue-poppy. Kelly used her talents and love for growing to spread joy and happiness to all who were able to see her work.
The family of Kelly wants to express their gratitude to Longwood Gardens for their amazing support and for bringing out the best in Kelly. Longwood was a special place to her, as was her Longwood family.
Being a mom was Kelly greatest joy in life. There was no time more special to her than that spent with her children. Some of her personal highlights were skydiving with Jacqueline, working with Jacob at Longwood Gardens, and watching football with Dylan. She enjoyed activities with all three kids and their friends at Corpus Christi School.
Kelly had sun in her bones and would choose the beach over any other vacation. She loved visiting Rehoboth Beach, Marco Island, Disney, going on cruises, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, where she shared a lot of laughs with her #1 prize, her children. Kelly was not a big skier, but that did not deter her time spent on the mountain with the kids or dogsledding in Jackson Hole.
Although Kelly may have traveled on a difficult journey, there are many who she valued very much, that brought her hope and light. Those individuals know who they are and the family wants to personally thank you for your kindness, inspiration, and grace. Kelly would want us to recognize the Sisters of Mt. Aviat, the Oblates of St. Francis, and the staff of Fr. Martin’s Ashley who brought her peace.
Kelly is predeceased by her mother and father Sharon and Thomas O’Sullivan and her favorite dogs Paulie and Sully. She is survived by her daughter Jacqueline Flowers and her husband Zachary Flowers, sons Jacob DiSabatino and Dylan DiSabatino and former husband Brian DiSabatino. Her siblings include Sean O’Sullivan, Patrick O’Sullivan, Kevin O’Sullivan, Tierney O’Sullivan, Bailey O’Sullivan, and step-mother Diane O’Sullivan.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to The Aviat Foundation (see below) in support of the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales, that you go out and buy someone who may need some cheer a bouquet of flowers, and that you smile your way through every difficulty.
https://factsmgtadmin.com/give/appeal/wPNjRvuRR
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