Rosemary Cecilia Flanagan

Rosemary C. Flanagan (nee Kelly) age 84, of Grosse Pointe Woods, passed peacefully away at home on April 19. She was the beloved wife of Charles, who predeceased her in 1973. She is survived by her children: Anne, Charles (Denise), Maureen Blau (Michael), Paul (Bridget), Chris (Kathy), Mary Alice Conser, Dan (Jennifer), John, Margaret Hamilton (Scott) and her grandchildren: Lauren, Caitlin, Sarah, Brian, Michael, Elizabeth, Julie, Chris, Meghan, John, Kevin, Patrick, Will, Michael H., Katie and Matthew. She was predeceased by her son William in 1966, and her granddaughter Emily in 1996. She is also survived by her brother John Kelly (Maureen) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Helen Kelly and her sisters Barbara Murphy, Sr. Gloria Kelly, O.P. and Patricia Wagner. Rosemary was a loving mother and cherished matriarch who raised nine children alone after being widowed at the age of 42. She attended St. Theresa's High School and earned a college degree from Marygrove College in Elementary Education and Social Work, long before most women were earning advanced degrees. She will be missed for her beautiful and loving spirit, her incredible strength when facing adversity, her selflessness and generosity, and her passion for politics and community service. Rosemary was known for her gracefulness and loving nature; she made everyone feel special and loved. A special source of pride for her was that all of her children attended Catholic elementary and high schools and have earned advanced college degrees. She was an elementary teacher early in her marriage and a Wayne County Court Investigator for 30 years. She was an active community member serving Detroit as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and serving Grosse Pointe Woods on their Senior Citizen Commission. She also was a long time volunteer for the Beaumont Assistant League as well as a strong supporter of the SOC (Services for Older Citizens). She served St. Matthew's School and Bishop Gallagher High School as a School Board Member while her children were students there. She volunteered in Grosse Pointe classrooms at Ferry and Richard Elementary Schools, and was a member of the Board for the Casa Materna Charity that serves young mothers in Nicaragua. She was active in politics working for individual candidates, causes dear to her heart and as a member of groups like Women for Peace and the Democratic Party. She loved hosting family gatherings at cottages, restaurants, the Grosse Pointe War Memorial and at her dinner table. Attending her grandchildren's events like birthday parties, communions, recitals, sporting events and graduation parties have been a source of great joy for her. She loved gardening, reading, traveling, watching classic movies, attending theater performances at the Fisher, and always keeping up on the news. Rosemary will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family and her many dear friends. While her children and grandchildren will miss her unconditional love and support as well as her never-empty treat jar, chocolate Santas, Thanksgiving turkeys and Easter bunnies, we know she will be joining her husband who has patiently waited 42 years for her arrival in heaven. May the wind be at your back mom, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Visitation on Wednesday April 22, from 2:00pm to 9:00pm, with a scripture service at 7:00pm, at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods. In state Thursday 9:30 am until time of Mass 10 am at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery immediately following Mass. Donations can be made to the Casa Materna Charity in her memory.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236