Irene Flaherty

FLAHERTY, IRENE (HODKOSKI) Irene (Hodkoski) Flaherty, 89, of Southington formerly of Bristol, passed away peacefully at Southington Care Center on Saturday, January 11, 2014. Born on January 25, 1924 in Thomaston, she was the daughter of the late William and Catherine (Budney) Hodkoski. The love of her life, her husband Thomas Francis Flaherty preceded her in death in 2010. Everyone in town knew Irene from their visits to Bradlees where she was a cashier for 40 years, where she enjoyed her conversations with everyone who came in. Spending time outdoors gardening and watching the birds were favorite activities. In her later years, she was active at the Bristol Senior Center along with playing Bingo and Bowling at the Southington Care Center with her roommate and good friend Bernice “Bunny” Cross. If you caught her watching TV, more than likely she would be cheering on her favorite team the Boston Red Sox. Most importantly, she loved her family and spending time with them, especially her grandchildren were some of her most cherished memories. She was a beautiful person on the inside and out and will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. She leaves her children Claudia Zerella and husband Joe of Southington; William Flaherty of Bristol; Kevin Flaherty of Bristol; Laurie Zimmerman and her husband John of Southington; 2 grandchildren Sara and Jake Zimmerman; her siblings Clem Hodkoski; Cas Hodkoski; and Zenobia Williams and her husband Ben; a cousin Zenobia Zabielski; along with several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Thomas, she was predeceased by her son Douglas Flaherty and siblings Genofefa, Wanda, Henry, Max and Barbara. A special thanks to all of the wonderful staff of the Southington Care Center for their care and concern over the years. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville/Bristol. Calling hours will be held that morning beginning at 9:30 until the time of the memorial service. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Memorial contributions can be made in Irene’s name to The Southington Care Center Resident Activity Fund, 45 Meriden Ave, Southington, CT 06489. To leave an online message of condolence, share a memory or a photo, please visit Irene’s page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com.