Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1919
DIED
2017
Kay Murphy-O'Flynn Obituary
1919 - April 19, 2017
Passed away at home last Sunday in the late morning with family at her side.Born in Milestone, Saskatchewan, Canada, Kay has been joyously San Franciscan since 1942, living her last 60 years in the Cow Hollow neighborhood. She was the proud, supportive and loving mother of Greg (Deborah), Brian, Mark (Rita) and Terence O'Flynn, and grandmother of Chelsea and Riley.
A true and inspired original, Kay touched the lives and hearts of many during her rich time on earth. She responded with a hearty "Yes!" to the call of her Life's Adventure, embracing life with an open heart, open mind and forever positive attitude and outlook. Kay was adventurous, artistic, free spirited, stylish, generous, loving, supportive and kind. An inspired mother , entrepeneur, artist, writer, world traveler, journalist , leader, career woman, business owner, she was a pioneer visionary ahead of her time.
Blessed with a unique poetic perspective on life born from a rich inner vision and imagination, she loved and was inspired by the beauty she found in the world and the people within it. Kay was simply a creative force.
This is only the beginning of the telling of the story of Kay by the Bay
Please visit Kay's new website for a panorama of her amazing life:
kaymurphyoflynn.com
All are invited to attend a Funeral Mass immediately followed by a Life Celebration at Saint Vincent de Paul Church, 2320 Green Street, San Francisco at 10:00 AM Saturday April 1, 2017.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kay Murphy-O'Flynn
5 Entries
Diane DeMartini
April 9, 2017
To Greg, Brian, Mark & Terry - my mother, Adeline DeMartini and I wanted to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of your mother last week. My mother was a long time friend of Kay & Ed and I used to work as an intern for Kay when she was in the Cannery in 1975.
We learned of Kay's passing late in the day of the funeral and we were very sorry to have missed it and the Celebration of Life.
My mother still lives in her home in Greenbrae and she turns 98 this year. Those Irish are sure strong stock!
Your mother was a true dynamo and she will be missed.
Best Regards,
Diane & Adeline DeMartini
Diane DeMartini
April 9, 2017
To Greg, Brian, Mark & Terry - deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. My mother, Adeline DeMartini and your mother were friends for most of their lives. My mother is also 98 and she still lives at her home in Greenbrae. She was really saddened to hear of Kay's passing. I used to work as an intern for Kay when she was in the Cannery back in 1975.
I'm very sorry to have missed the funeral and life celebration. We only heard about it the day of the funeral since neither of us still takes the Chronicle.
I hope you get this since there wasn't any place to send a card. We are going to have a mass said in your mother's honor. My mother and I wish you and your family all the best and we wanted you to know that your mom was a true dynamo who will be missed.
Best Regards,
Diane & Adeline DeMartini
[email protected]
Herb Anderson
March 30, 2017
Sorry to hear of your loss. She was one of a kind.
John Carroll
March 28, 2017
Kay married my mother's brother Ed. My grandmother relayed the story of their first meeting. On seeing Papa O'Flynn she ran to him gave him a hug and said "Thank you for my wonderful new name, Kay Murphy O'Flynn". The ice was immediately broken and she became the darling of my grandparents.
Oakley, Leonard and Arthur Biesanz/Madsen
March 27, 2017
I love that this obituary says she was a "true and inspired original." How true! She was such an intriguing person- like no one else I have ever known. Ha- I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. I was especially inspired by her colorful creativity, her great inner strength, and her deep interest in the people around her. All my very best, and my condolences to her family. Hers was truly a life worth celebrating. Oakley Biesanz
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Kay Murphy-O'Flynn's name
Memorial Events
for Kay Murphy-O'Flynn
How to support Kay's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kay Murphy-O'Flynn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
