Kathryn "Kay" Flannery

On June 23, 2023, Kathryn (Kay) Virginia Flannery, beloved wife of Paul T. Flannery, peacefully passed away surrounded by family. Kay was born June 22, 1935 in Jamaica, Queens, New York, to mother Kathryn Jones Finnegan and her father John (Jake) Finnegan. She was the eldest sister to three brothers, Kenny, Jackie, and Lanny.Kay was known for her piercing blue eyes, which mirrored the sky on a beautiful sunny day. She loved playing the part of a hostess and would ask if you were comfortable or if you needed anything. She loved catching up with people and telling stories. Toward the end of her life, she and her daughter talked on the phone every day.

Family was incredibly important to Kay, as was her Irish heritage. Whaley Lake in Holmes, New York, was a family getaway from when Kay was a young girl until her later years in life. At the lake, the family gathered for many reunions, most notably “Christmas in July.” Rain or shine, the family would gather dressed in Christmas attire. They even made t-shirts with the date of the reunion every year.

Kay took her education seriously. In fact, she attended college and became a Respiratory Therapist, attending Manchester Community College at the same time her children were attending college. Upon graduation, Kay was employed by Charlotte Hungerford Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist and provided comfort to many patients. She also was an Independent Beauty Consultant for Jafra Cosmetics for many years and had a large client base of happy customers, including her many family members.

She loved hosting parties and entertaining with food, drink and laughter. Her cooking abilities were famous. The family always looked forward to her savory mashed potatoes and gravy, along with her infamous “seven-minute icing” that topped birthday cakes. No one could come close to duplicating her talented cooking skills.Kay loved dogs, especially her next-door neighbor dog, Teddy, whom she enjoyed doggie sitting for and even taught to put his toys away in a basket. She shared the same passion for nature as her husband Paul and enjoyed gardening, flowers and birds. When asked what her favorite flower was, she would respond with “whatever grows.” A talented seamstress, Kay was a wiz at the sewing machine. She sewed entire curtains for her granddaughters, Megan and Molly, and daughter-in-law, Patti, to add some elegance and decorate their rooms. She designed unique outfits as well, such as a poodle skirt for her daughter-in-law, Patti, for a 50s-themed party. Kay had an eye for decoration and her home was always neat and well furnished with family heirlooms.

Kay was predeceased by her husband Paul on May 11, 2023 (married June 4, 1955). Additionally, she was predeceased by her mother, Kathryn Jones Finnegan, her father John (Jake) Finnegan and her nephew, Tim Flannery, as well as brothers Ken and Lanny. She leaves behind her family: brother, Jack Finnegan and his family; son, Donald Flannery and his wife Patti; daughter, Beth Ann and her husband Mauro Cieri and granddaughters, Megan and Molly Cieri, as well as her goddaughter, Diane (Momunis) Simmons. Kay also leaves behind the many friends and acquaintances she made at Rhodes Landing in Rocky Hill and at Anthology of Farmington.In addition to her family members, Kay had two lovely and dedicated caregivers, Alina Jodlowski and Anna Staranowicz. Both provided the friendship, warmth, and compassion that Kay so enjoyed. Anna was a very special companion to both Kay and Paul, and the family is so grateful for her.

Friends and relatives may pay their respects to Kay and her family on Friday, June 30 from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. James Church of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Inurnment will follow the Mass in the Village Cemetery Columbarium, Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Kay’s name or to a favorite charity. To extend online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.