Sister Josephine Flanagan

PORTLAND - Sister Josephine Flanagan aka Sister Joseph Mary, 78, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully, just as she lived, Oct. 3, 2010, at St. Joseph's Manor, after a long illness. A native of Bangor, Sister Josephine Flanagan was born Oct. 4, 1931, to Elizabeth Hickey and Daniel Flanagan. She entered Sisters of Mercy, Portland, Sept. 24, 1950, from St. John's Parish and John Bapst High School, Bangor. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin from College of Our Lady of Mercy, Portland, now known as St. Joseph's College, Standish. Sister Josephine Flanagan continued her higher education at Boston College, earning a Master of Arts degree in Latin and a Master of Education with a concentration in religious studies. Sister began her ministry in religious education, but she soon was appointed to secondary education at St. Benedict's High School, Benedicta. She also taught at St. Joseph's Academy and was a teacher and principal at Cathedral High School. In 1969, Cathedral High School merged to become Catherine McAuley High School and Sister Josephine was the first principal. In between these two assignments, she was assistant directress of formation for several years before going to John Bapst High, Bangor. In 1980, she served as assistant dean and then as associate dean of St. Joseph's College, Standish. After a sabbatical year, she became a receptionist for Catholic Charities ME Family Child Care program. Her next assignment in 2001 was administrative assistant to the Community Leadership Team of Sisters of Mercy, Portland. Throughout the years, Sister had been active on many boards and committees. These included governor/overseer at St. Joseph's College, Standish; trustee at Mercy Hospital, Portland; several diocesan committees, including the Liturgical Commission; and in addition, she was director of the board of Opera New England of Maine. Sister Josephine will be remembered for her fruitful and productive service to the people of God, especially her students. She was a woman of prayer, inspired by her deep faith, her gentle compassion and profound sense of integrity. Sister lived her religious motto, "...but for Your Grace...," seeing only the good in others and always going the extra mile to serve. In addition to her parents, Sister Josephine was predeceased by her brothers, Daniel and John Flanagan, and Martin John Elwood; her sister, Elizabeth A. Flanagan; and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Flanagan. She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Mary Katherine and her husband, Robert Tekancic, of Euclid, Ohio; her brother, Thomas Flanagan of Enfield, Conn.; her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jean Flanagan of Concord, N.H., and Mrs. Barbara Elwood of Mattawamkeag; several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, as well as her Sisters in community. Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, with a prayer service 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Convent, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland. A concelebrated Mass of Christian burial will be held 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the convent chapel. Burial will be 8:30 a.m. Thursday at New Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Josephine Flanagan's memory may be sent to Catherine McAuley High School, Advancement Office, 631 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103. Arrangements respectfully handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com.