Northborough – Margaret Mary (Flynn) Flanagan, age 81, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Monday evening, September 27, 2021, after a period of declining health. Mary was born and raised in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, one of six children to the late Thomas and Kate (Burke) Flynn. At the age 17 Margaret relocated to Cambridge, Massachusetts.
While working at Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. in Boston, Margaret met and married James W. Flanagan. The couple started their family in Portsmouth, NH prior to moving to Northborough in 1965. Margaret devoted much her time to the raising of her children. In addition, she served many years as a school cafeteria manager for the town of Northborough and worked at Towne & Country Jewelers. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she treasured the opportunity to be involved in her children and grandchildren’s many activities. Margaret also enjoyed spending time in her flower garden and reading a good book. Any time she had a chance, she could be found strolling the beach, shells in hand.
Among those who survive Margaret are her three children, Deborah Flanagan Gillis and her husband Peter of Northborough, James Flanagan of Charlton and Karen Brewster of Northborough; eleven grandchildren, Connor, Macaulay, Keegan, Campbell and Colby Gillis, Patrick and Riley Flanagan, Sarah Ring, Brad Mandella, Alysia and Nicholas Brewster; three great-grandchildren, Amelia Flanagan, Kaydence Ring and Gracie Ring, all whom she loved so much. Margaret also leaves three siblings in Ireland, Patrick Flynn, Michael Flynn and Kathleen Culkeen; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James W. Flanagan in 1985 and her two siblings, Thomas “Tommy Joe” Flynn and Ann Dunn.
Calling hours will be held 4-7 p.m. on Friday, October 1, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 2, in Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Margaret will then be laid to rest beside James in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough. The use of masks while inside is strongly recommended.
Margaret’s family respectfully request that memorial donations in her name be directed to either the VNA Care Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923 (vnacare.org) or to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (alz.org)
To leave a condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
