Jeanne Flynn

Community and political activist and lifelong public servant Jeanne Flynn, 56, died Saturday morning, March 31st at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born in Chicago, May 24, 1944 the daughter of Earl Douglas and Jean Perlongo Flynn. She was a graduate of Saint Mary's of Notre Dame Preparatory School, Rosary College and held a Masters from Sangamon State University, now known as University of Illinois at Springfield. She was a lifelong acivist in grassroots Democratic politics. As a youth she worked with Saul Alinsky and worked on numerous political campaigns, including Paul Douglas, Robert Kennedy and Paul Simon as well as numerous local and state candidates. She moved to Springfield to work for Michael Bakalis in the then Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. She served as Director of Legislative Affairs for Secretary of State Alan J. Dixon. For Jim Edgar she worked as an administrator and advocate of programs for senior citizens, including the creation of the Silver Pages in the phone book. Until her death, she was a consultant at the Illinois State Library developing programs for the disabled and developing oral history programs with World War II veterans to assure their stories are shared with younger generations. She was instumental in the establishment of numerous intergenerational programs between seniors and children. She often said she had more time than money, which she spent lavishly, by serving on numerous boards, including the Animal Protective League, Planned Parenthood, Springfield Center for Independent Living and Mini-O'Beirne Crisis Nursery. She was a tireless and effective fundraiser for her boards, The Aids Walk and many other causes. She received the prestigious J.C. Penney Community Service Award and many other honors. She was a lifelong, avid Notre Dame fan, a lover of all dogs, and has friends too many to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother: Clifford. She is survived by a sister-in-law: Mary Ann Flynn of Las Vegas, NV; a nephew: Michael (wife-Luann) Flynn of Mesa, AZ; a niece: Vicky Flynn of Las Vegas, NV; a grandniece: Lacie and grandnephews: Joey and Robby to whom she was simply ''AJ''. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2001. Remains are to be cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League 1001 Taintor Rd. Springfield, IL 62702-1766 or S.A.R.A. Center 1315 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 or to the charity of the donor's choice. The family of Jeanne Flynn is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.