Anne Sullivan

Description: (Educator)

Johanna ‘Anne’ Mansfield Sullivan Macy, better known as Anne Sullivan, was a well known Irish-American teacher and a mentor to Helen Keller. She went through a tough time as a child because her mother was suffering from frail health and her father was an alcoholic. After the death of her mother and abandonment by her father at the age of 8, she and her brother, Jammie, were sent to state almshouse in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. There her brother passed away and then she moved on to the Perkins School for the Blind, Boston. She passed out of there as a valedictorian of her class. After that she moved to Tuscumbia, Alabama to Keller family to tutor their deaf, blind and mute daughter Helen Keller and from there onwards she was with her for the next 39 years of her life, tutoring her, accompanying her to the university, helping her to understand her lectures, tutorials, etc. Sullivan and Helen started working for the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) as advocates, counselors and fundraisers. She fell in love with John Albert Macy, a Harvard instructor and they both got married when she was only 39 but the marriage never worked out and they got separated. She died in comma at the age of 70, while holding hands with her companion of life Helen Keller.

Overview

Birthday April 14, 1866 (Aries)
Alternative names Johanna Mansfield Sullivan
Died on October 20, 1936
Spouse/Ex- John Albert Macy
Parents Thomas Sullivan
Alice Cloesy Sullivan
Relatives Ellen Sullivan - James Sullivan - Mary Sullivan

Did you know

What is Anne Sullivan famous for? Anne Sullivan is best known for being the teacher and lifelong companion of Helen Keller, a deaf-blind woman who became an author, lecturer, and advocate.
How did Anne Sullivan communicate with Helen Keller? Anne Sullivan communicated with Helen Keller through a manual alphabet known as finger spelling, tactile signing, and other methods to help her understand language and the world around her.
What techniques did Anne Sullivan use to teach Helen Keller? Anne Sullivan used physical touch, repetition, and patience to teach Helen Keller language, communication, and academic subjects, ultimately helping her overcome her disabilities and achieve great success.
How did Anne Sullivan's upbringing influence her work with Helen Keller? Anne Sullivan's difficult childhood and experience as a visually impaired orphan helped her develop empathy, resilience, and determination, which she applied to her work with Helen Keller, ultimately shaping the young girl's future and success.
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