Margaret Mary Bennett

Margaret Mary Bennett (Née Flanagan), age 96, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 11th, 2023 while at her home in Shoreham, New York. Margaret was born May 20th, 1926 in Bayridge Brooklyn, New York. She is the daughter of the late Anna M. (McCann) Flanagan and the late Thomas P. Flanagan Senior, renowned architect. She grew up in Bayridge and her family enjoyed summers in Monsey. Pre-deceased are her siblings: Thomas P. Flanagan Junior (Agnes), James Flanagan (Joan), Joseph Flanagan (Louise), Julia Stevenson (Harry), John Flanagan, Daniel Flanagan (Jeanne), and Anne Shannon (Thomas). Margaret was employed as a medical secretary for an orthopedist enabling her to socialize with several of the Brooklyn Dodgers! Margaret spent several years of her education with the Daughters of Wisdom furthering her already strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. She moved to East Islip to raise her family, and became a parishioner of Saint Mary R.C. Church where she took part in the Rosary Altar Society, became a Class Mother, assisted with the care of the choir, and provided aide with fundraising through various events. She performed multiple charitable works of mercy. Her favorite roll led to her crowning as “Mother of the Year” in 1959, after she took in a neighbor’s child and raised her as her own until her friend recovered.

Margaret collected and refurbished dolls and distributed them to underprivileged children. Margaret also enjoyed gardening, the theater, picnics, and gathering with family; however; she cherished being a mother and grandmother above all else. She was thrilled with the knowledge of becoming a great-grandmother in July. She is survived by her children: Thomas Bennett (Joann), Dennis Bennett (Susan), and Barbara Bennett-Ahrenstein (Steven) and her grandchildren: Mathew Ahrenstein (Tatiana), James Bennett, Andrew Ahrenstein, Brian Bennett (Kelsey), and Kaylyn Ahrenstein-Bednar (Tyler). She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jeanne Flanagan, several nieces, nephews and godchildren.