Catherine 'Kay' Flanagan

The Villages — Mary Catherine 'Kay' Theresa Smith Flanagan, 101, of the Village of Pennecamp, an exceptional lady beloved by so many, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at Citrus Health & Rehab. Center, Inverness, FL. Kay was born May 21, 1914 in South Boston, MA. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Smith. Kay was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William (Bill) Stang Flanagan, Sr., in 1982. They wed in 1935 in Quincy, MA, and had three sons. Kay was the last surviving sibling of eight children: four brothers (Smith); Howard, Vincent, Joseph and Rev. Lawrence; and three sisters: Elizabeth Smith, Esther Silvia and Agnes McGrath.

Kay is survived by sons (Flanagan): Thomas, and wife Rita, of Lakeland, FL; Robert, of The Villages, FL, with whom Kay lived since 2009; and William, of Charlotte, NC; six grandchildren: Melinda Taylor, Jolinda O’Brien, Michael Brown, Lisa Dolan, Kristi Shepard and Matthew Flanagan; and eight great grandchildren who affectionately called her “GG” (Great Grandma).

Kay was highly respected for being a life-long hard worker. She was a waitress in several Boston area restaurants, including the renowned Jimmy’s Harborside. Kay and Bill moved in 1969 from Canton, MA to Boca Raton, FL., and then Kay, a widow, relocated in 1988 to Boynton Beach, FL, and to The Villages in 2009. She was captivated by the beauty of The Villages and enjoyed being on her porch to read, have her meals and watch the golfers. Kay actually played golf at one time and had a Hole-in-One. She enjoyed sewing and was a member of The Villages’ Fabric Fun Arts & Crafts sewing club. Kay attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, FL.

Kay was a marvelous wife and devoted mother to her sons. She thrived on being with family and friends, especially children. She loved to go shopping, to the movies and restaurants. Kay enjoyed cooking, catering parties and collecting recipes. She enjoyed cruises and traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. She attended many entertainment events in The Villages.

Kay loved music and played the organ for many years. She was so happy watching dancing by her son and daughter-in-law, on TV and in the Villages’ squares. She attended many neighborhood socials. She faithfully watched ice skating and was an accomplished swimmer.

Kay had a unique zest for life. She was very outgoing, had a beautiful smile, a giving and sparkling personality. She inspired others and touched many lives. She was loved by many and adored by her family. All who knew Kay marveled at how she always took care to dress well and look her best.

A Memorial Service for Kay will be at 12 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 2015, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 5323 County Rd. 462, Wildwood, FL. Immediately after the service, the family will host a luncheon for family and friends. The family is grateful to Citrus Health & Rehab. Center staff for providing Kay with excellent care. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. Interment will be at a later date at the gravesite of her husband in the Boca Raton Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to

Fero Funeral Home

www.ferofuneralhome.com