Helen "Nana" Sophia Flanagan

On May 27, 2026, Helen “Nana” Flanagan went home to be with her heavenly family. While her time as a wife on earth ended with her husband’s passing on August 7, 2003, her role as a devoted mother, Nana, Aunt, friend and animal lover never ceased. She will be remembered for fiercely loving her family and friends, and for bringing laughter and joy to everyone she knew.

Helen was born and raised in the Bronx and Astoria, New York, but traveled and lived all across the United States through her husband's service as a Master Chief in the United States Navy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. Flanagan, and her son, Robert Michael Flanagan.

She leaves behind her daughters, Diane Kimball (David) and Carolyn Roberts (Craig); her grandchildren, Lynn Lawhorn (Shaun), Laurie Greaves (Eric), Christine Hoffmier, Craig Roberts (Melissa), Shannon Flanagan, Colleen Hocking (Titus), and Megan Flanagan; eight great-grandchildren and her daughter in law Heidi Flanagan. She also leaves behind her loving friend, advocate, and caregiver, Fran Halsey, as well as her longtime forever friends from Floyd Bennett Field, New York, and Brandermill in Midlothian, Virginia.

She will be greatly missed, but we hold onto the promise that we will one day see her again. The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital. Thank you for treating Nana not just as a patient, but as family.

Your vibrant energy, unwavering kindness, and deeply loving spirits turned a challenging journey into one filled with dignity and warmth.

She will be buried with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.