Mary Sullivan
New Zealand netball player
About Mary Sullivan
Lived 1920 – 1977 (aged 57). Mary Sullivan was a New Zealand netballer.
Mary Frances Sullivan (29 February 1920 – 29 March 1977) was a New Zealand netball player. She played in the New Zealand team in two Tests against the touring Australian team in 1948.
Early life Born on 29 February 1920, Sullivan was the daughter of Denis Sullivan, an employee of New Zealand Railways, and Fanny Mary Sullivan (née Price).
Netball career Playing as a shooter in the goal circle, Sullivan was a member of the Surrey Hills club in Grey Lynn, and was captain of the club's senior team. She played for the Auckland provincial netball team, and with a height of she usually towered over her opponents. New Zealand lost the first Test at Forbury Park in Dunedin 16–27, with Sullivan playing at wing attack. She was reported to be "the hardest worked player" on court, and it was said that she was "probably the most deceptive member of either team". Sullivan missed the second Test, but returned as vice-captain for the third Test in Auckland, which was won by Australia, 44–22.
In 1949, Sullivan was part of the Auckland team that won the national provincial championships.
Later life and death Sullivan worked as an office manager. She died on 29 March 1977, and was buried at Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Mary Sullivan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Mary Sullivan?
New Zealand netball player
When was Mary Sullivan born?
Mary Sullivan was born on 29 February 1920.
When did Mary Sullivan die?
Mary Sullivan died on 29 March 1977.
What was Mary Sullivan's occupation?
Mary Sullivan was a netballer.
What nationality was Mary Sullivan?
Mary Sullivan was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Mary Sullivan (netball)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Mary Sullivan. https://biography.guide/mary-sullivan-netballer/
MLA: "Mary Sullivan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/mary-sullivan-netballer/.
Chicago: "Mary Sullivan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/mary-sullivan-netballer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:02 UTC