Patricia (Sullivan) Gurnicz

Obituary

On Wednesday, September 7, 2022 Patricia J Gurnicz (Sullivan), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother passed away. She was seventy-two. Born to James Franklin (Frank) and Minnie Carlene (Carlene)Sullivan in Moline, Illinois.

Pat graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in education and went on to spend more than 30 years working for various governmental agencies in Rock Island, IL and Washington DC. including the Department of Defense, US Army Support Command and Defense Intelligence Agency. Throughout her career, she earned numerous awards and commendations which, because of the nature of her expertise and performance, made her highly sought after and resulted in steady promotion opportunities throughout her tenure.

An avid fly fisherman, she devoted countless hours to the Project Healing Waters charity whose purpose is to offer fishing opportunities to wounded combat veterans. In addition to her charitable activities, she enjoyed spending time with her six grandchildren, tending to her garden and was active in the 12 Oaks Boomer Club.

Pat met Gary Gurnicz attending Western Illinois University and were married in July 1972. During their 50 years of marriage, they made countless trips to Disney World and, after retirement, traveled frequently. They amassed an impressive travel log, including multiple trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Napa Velley, CA and trips to Western and Southern Europe and Alaska. Having taken more than a dozen, their favorite way to see the world was via cruise ship.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Sullivan, her mother Minnie Sullivan (Reed and her nephew Derrick Sullivan. She is survived by her husband Gary, her daughter Amy (Gurnicz) and husband Matt McCallum of Cary, NC, her son Greg Gurnicz of Omaha, NE. Grandchildren Colin, Oliver, Alastair and Rory McCallum and Gabrielle and Leo Gurnicz.


A celebration of life will be held from noon to three at the 12 Oaks main clubhouse in Holly Springs.


In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Project Healing Waters (https://projecthealingwaters.org/).