Alison Sullens

Alison Sullens of Bozeman, MT, died peacefully Sunday evening, her daughter by her side. She was 75. Gallatin Valley was home to Alison for more than 28 years, and her nest on Bison Trail was her sanctuary, from where she could take in the majesty of the Bridger Mountains, chatter with the neighbor's cattle, run her beloved dogs, and tend to her many gardens. Alison filled her days taking care of others, whether crocheting a blanket for a friend or family member, picking up a quilting project, baking breads and cookies for neighbors, or caring for her beloved husband of nearly 12 years, Jackson Sullens.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 28, 1949, Alison spent most of her life on the east coast, as her family moved regularly, determined by her father, Leonard Cummings', successful career in the insurance industry. Her mother, Marjorie, established homes for the family in Groton, MA, Des Moines, IA, Nashville, TN, West Hartford, CT, Pittsburgh, PA, Devon, PA, Summit, NJ, and Newtown Square, PA. Alison marveled at all she learned and experienced though these changes, having attended three separate high schools, and often reinforced to her daughter all one discovered in facing challenges such as these. 

It was at Radnor High School where Alison met Lawrence "Larry" Isett, her high school sweetheart, and after graduating from Allegheny College and Case Western Reserve respectively, the couple married and began their life in Ithaca, NY, where Larry earned his doctorate at Cornell University. They settled in Rochester, NY, where Larry worked as a research physicist for Eastman Kodak. When Larry lost his battle with cancer many years later, Alison began her teaching career while also raising their daughter, Meaghan. During these difficult years, she summoned an inspiring inner-strength and dedication to family, one that is at the root of Meaghan's own experiences as wife, mother, and educator.

A life-long learner, Alison's enthusiasm for teaching and love for her students was felt in East Irondequoit, NY, Miami, FL, and Bozeman MT, where she easily found a home in the second grade classroom and later in early childhood education. Alison was a certified elementary school teacher, as well as a Montessori teacher. She relished in creating hand-made projects for her students, her creative stamp in each endeavor, and Meaghan often urged her to publish the numerous binders that reflected years of hard work and learning. Alison listened better than most, was more patient than nearly anyone, and cherished the relationships she built both personally and professionally over the years. 

Alison remarried and moved to Miami, FL, when Meaghan was still in high school. The early retirement of her second husband, John Dowd, led them to Bozeman, where the snow-capped peaks and western charm secured a home for her, even though the marriage did not last. In those years, though, Alison was a step-mother, traveled the western United States, discovered a love of fly-fishing, and found solitude in the foothills. Later, Alison shared her home with Timothy Johnson for nearly fourteen years. The two cooked gourmet meals together, entertained, raised their pups, and fished the rivers from Tim's driftboat. 

It was not easy when Tim passed away, though Alison took great joy in helping Meaghan and her husband, Sean, care for their newborn twins. Over the years, "Nana" has marveled in person and at a great distance over the accomplishments of her now three grandsons. She adored, especially, long phone calls, whether relaying the details of cookies she was baking or hearing about their adventures in music, sports, or their own baking challenges. Though she landed in Montana, far from many of her friends and family, she kept in touch and was eager to share their stories with Meaghan. Alison loved well.

Alison found happiness in the final decade of her life married to Jackson Sullens, who shared her love of antiquing, as the two have filled their home with history. Many weekend mornings, Alison would detail their "garage-saling" plan, and would follow up with the specifics of the treasures they found. She even enjoyed the hard work of assembling her own tag sale, taking the opportunity to meet others in the community and enjoy their satisfaction over finding joy in the items. The two also loved caring for their dogs, Nala and Tobey, the sweetest and most affectionate sort. 

Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Alison is survived by her husband, Jackson Sullens; her daughter and son-in-law, Meaghan and Sean Cavanaugh; her grandsons, Eoin, Wyatt, and Tanner Cavanaugh; her sisters, Constance Black and Judith Cummings; her brother-in-law, David Black; and her brother, Whitley Cummings and sister-in-law, Mary Cummings. She is also survived by her nieces, Kristin and Karen Black, Corinne Hoffman, Sarah Hillman, and Rebecca Cummings; and by her nephews,  Andrew Black, Jeffrey Hoffman, and Whitley Cummings. She will be missed.

In lieu of gifts, please make donations to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter at 1549 E Cameron Bridge Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718.