Muriel Flanagan Cullen Argen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026. She was 94 years old. Born on October 1, 1931, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Christie S. Flanagan and Rita Hancock Flanagan. Muriel lived a life defined by deep faith, selfless service, and extraordinary love for her family and community. Muriel was esteemed by many in her extended family as a matriarch and example of how one lives one’s life in the full service to others. For many others, she was the “second mother” and otherwise special person in the lives of those with whom she had enduring relationships.
Muriel had a unique capability of helping others to find joy and feel good about themselves. As such, she was a magnet for friends and family alike who often sought her out knowing that any experience with her would be a good one.
A proud graduate of St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, where Muriel met Richard D. Cullen, then studying law at Notre Dame University. They were married on Labor Day weekend in Port Arthur and made their home in Victoria, Texas, where they raised their family over 53 devoted years of marriage. They became over time completely integrated into the Victoria community. After the passing of her husband Dick, Muriel reconnected with Dr. Ralph Argen, whom she had known from her earlier days at Notre Dame. They married and shared a life together, residing in Buffalo, New York, and later Hilton Head, South Carolina, and ultimately living in Rockport, Texas.
Muriel was a woman of profound Catholic faith and tireless ministry. A devoted member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Victoria, she poured herself into service - visiting the incarcerated, bringing comfort to nursing home residents, and lovingly preparing special needs children for the sacrament of their First Holy Communion. She was a lifetime member of the Legion of Mary and held the distinguished honor of membership in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. For many years, she was a dedicated hands-on volunteer at her children’s Catholic schools, embodying the very spirit of Christian charity in everything she did.
Though not a career woman, she focused her attention on those things which mattered most to her: her faith, her family, and the never ceasing desire to help those she loved find their way to heaven.
Muriel is survived by her husband, Dr. Ralph Argen; her four children: Kevin D. Cullen and his wife Jean, Richard T. (Terry) Cullen and his wife Laney, Kathleen Cullen Holm and her husband Paul, and Colleen Cullen Akers and her husband Brock; and the 12 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren who knew her as “Momo.” She is also survived by her siblings Christie S. Flanagan and his wife Gretchen, and Bruce M. Flanagan and his wife Sharon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Christie S. Flanagan and Rita Hancock Flanagan; her first husband, Richard D. Cullen; and her sister, Kathleen F. Baldwin.
Muriel’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, gentle strength, and a love that touched all who knew her. She was a shining example of a devoted wife, a patient and loving mother, and a woman who lived her Catholic vocation to its fullest. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory from 9:00 in the morning on Monday, May 18, until 9:30, at which time the Holy Rosary will be recited. A Catholic funeral mass will follow at 10:00 in the morning. The Very Reverend Kirby F. Hlavaty will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Victory School, St. Joseph High School, or a charity of your choice.
