Mary Flynn Flemke

Mary Margaret Flynn Flemke, beloved mother, died on August 19 in Colorado Springs, CO at the age of 81. Mary is survived by daughters, Ellen (Mitch), Ann (Ron) and son, Ned (Tammy). She is also survived by siblings, Catherine Quinn (West Hartford, CT), James (Mary) Flynn (South Windsor, CT), Winifred (David) Chauvin (Middletown, CT) and Michael (Mary) Flynn (West Hartford, CT). She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Karl Flemke of Colorado Springs, CO. Mary was born in Hartford, CT on August 9, 1936 to Michael and Margaret Mullarkey Flynn. Mary graduated from Hartford Public High School where she was inducted into the National Honor Society. After high school, Mary worked as the Executive Secretary to Thomas J. Dodd, U.S. Congressman. Mary worked for Congressman Dodd for four years until she married Karl Flemke on July 12, 1958. Mary and Karl moved to New Bedford, MA where Karl began his career in Junior Achievement. With Mary’s support, Karl would eventually become National President and CEO of Junior Achievement, Inc. Mary and Karl raised three children (Ellen, Ann and Ned) while moving across the country to cities including Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Weston, Connecticut and eventually Colorado Springs. Mary pursued her education with a passion earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Mary continued her education by completing her Master’s Degree in Education at Cal State Northridge and receiving her Ed. D. from the University of Southern California in Educational Administration. Mary had an impressive career in education. She worked as an administrator at 93rd Street School in the inner city of Los Angeles. She also worked as Supervisor of Gifted and Early Childhood Special Education programs for the Danbury, CT school district. Her most significant and beloved professional experience was serving as Head of the Colorado Springs School from 1990 to 2000 where she and her talented management team, repositioned the school and grew enrollment from 173 to 490 students. Mary was an amazing mother. Instead of crumbling after the premature death of her beloved husband on June 22, 1994, she continued to grow and have impact. She adored her children and grandchildren and sponsored amazing, annual family vacations. Mary was an exceptional cook; family and friends spent hundreds of blissful evenings around her table. Mary loved the community of Colorado Springs. She was a community leader serving on many boards including Goodwill and The Fine Arts Center. Viewing is scheduled for Friday, August 25 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Swan Law (501 North Cascade). A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (9 El Pomar Road). Emeritus Bishop Richard Charles Patrick Hanifen will officiate the mass. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery (1005 Hancock Expressway). Reception to follow at The Penrose House (1661 Mesa Avenue). All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the The Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado Karl and Mary Flemke Center for Free Enterprise. (719) 636-2474 x1026. www.ja-soco.org. The family would like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for their compassionate care.