Carol Lynn Flynn passed away on August 20th, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena surrounded by the love and support of her family. She fought a very brief but inspiring battle with breast cancer.
Carol was born September 7, 1950 in Butte, Montana to Conrad and Catherine Peterson. She attended Catholic schools in Butte, graduated from Girls Central High School, Class of ’69, and received a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Montana.
Upon graduation, Carol worked for Professor Elmer Gless at Montana Tech. On September 8, 1979, she married John Flynn of Helena at St. Ann’s Church in Butte. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Conrad and Rosemarie. Carol was a full-time homemaker while their children were young and later became a para-professional at Rossiter Elementary School. Following their divorce, she began work at the MT Office of Public Instruction. She was employed as a program specialist at the time of her death.
Faith was a central part of Carol’s life. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Community for 30 years. She generously gave of her time and talents as a faith formation catechist, hospitality host, greeter, and Eucharist Minister. She was also active in funeral ministry, community outreach and special events hosted by the parish. Carol served on the board of KNEH, Helena’s Catholic Relevant Radio Station, for several years.
Carol was an enthusiastic and tireless supporter of her children’s, grandchildren’s and nieces’ numerous sporting events, music recitals, and school programs. She always went above and beyond to love and encourage her family and make their accomplishments special. Time spent at Grandma’s and Auntie’s house always included elaborate breakfasts, trips to the Carousel, movie theater, pool, library, park, and ice cream shop, sometimes all on the same day! Those of us who were privileged to know and love Carol will miss the many thoughtful and gentle ways she touched our hearts, from beautiful cards and thank you notes to caring phone calls, invitations to lunch, and family dinners. We will also miss her can-do attitude, Butte-Irish spirit, and double-thumbs-up greetings of, “Awesome, pretty sweet deal, or ready to go!”
Carol is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son, Conrad (Allison) Flynn of Helena; daughter, Rosemarie (Chi) Flores of Pasco, WA; and sister, Kathy (Rick) DeMarinis, and mother-in-law, Dorothy Flynn, of Helena. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ihzik, Payton and Marcus Flores; Evan and Abby Cook; and nieces, Gabbi and Ali DeMarinis.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Carol’s life at St. Mary Catholic Community on Thursday, August 24, 2017. A Rosary will be prayed at 11 am followed by a funeral Mass at 12:10 pm. A luncheon will be served downstairs immediately after Mass. A private burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.
We’d like to thank Dr. Weiner, Nurse Michelle, and all the staff at St. Peter’s Oncology Unit for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Mary Catholic Community, Catholic Social Services of Montana, or KNEH Radio.
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Carrie Frohreich says
To the family of Carol Flynn, I am very blessed that I had her as a best friend. We enjoyed many fun times together, talked on the phone every weekend over my morning coffee, frequently had lunches and dinners, movie gatherings, and even went to see Elton John one year together in Missoula. I was planning to plan a gathering for her upcoming Birthday, as she always planned my Birthday gatherings with friends, and I always planned hers.
Last year we spent it at the Jade Garden, (another place we used to frequent together). Over the last month in a half, we went to see live music one night at the Silver Star, went to dinner on night at On Broadway, (one of her favorite places), and saw a movie. The day her health started to turn we were planning to see a movie. She was part of my life.. and I am blessed I was part of hers. I will always cherish my fond memories of Carol and how she was so much of a big part of my life. Blessings and prayers to you are yours. I love you so much Carol. My life was deeply blessed with an Angel on Earth. ~Carrie Frohriech~
Mary Ann Gregory says
My dear friend placed her faith, family, work ethic and friends in that order- as it should be. She was the best friend I could have had. She was stubborn, sweet, kind, and very funny. Her laughter I will miss. She always made me a zucchini chocolate cake for my birthday. You never won a argument with her because she was usually right. If she had something in her head you couldn’t change her way of looking at it. She called em as she saw em. A spade was spade not a hammer. I will miss her deeply but know I will see her again.
Carmen Pennington says
I had the pleasure of being one of Carol’s co-workers for the past three years and we talked almost every day. She always greeted me with either “Well, hello there” or ” Well, good morning” and always had a smile on her face (I could tell, even if it was through the telephone). She was one of the nicest, kindest human beings I have ever known and she will be missed. – Carmen Pennington
Cindie Tenneson says
Carol was one of my favorite people at work. She always had a smile and something really nice to say. She was funny, smart, and hard working. She will be missed – I am so sorry for her loss!
Jay River says
We wanted to express our sympathies to you at this your time of grief we pray you be strengthened in the days ahead. We like to share a thought that gave us comfort. At Daniel 12:2 , “And many of those asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up, some to everlasting life …” May this thought bring you comfort as it did our family during our time of loss.
JR