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Katherine Flynn Obituary
FITCHBURG - Katherine (Kay) Flynn, 102, of Fitchburg, died on July 30, 2018 with her devoted family with her. She was born in Fitchburg, the daughter of John W. Drummond and Katherine Espie.
She is survived by her daughter Sandra Flynn Burns of Bolton, CT, her son William G. Flynn and his wife Jane of Lancaster, grandchildren, Katherine Burns and her husband James Grosse, Rebecca Burns and her husband Brian Buckley, Brendan Flynn and his wife Ashlee, and great grandchildren Lauren, Sarah, Robert and Kayden and her nieces and nephew. She was predeceased by her husband Attorney George F. Flynn, her brother John Drummond, her sister Margaret Bergeron, and her grandson Geoffrey Flynn Burns.
Kay earned both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Fitchburg State University and received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Special Education from the University of Connecticut.
She began her forty-five year career as an educator and a special education teacher in Athol Public Schools and Edgerly School in Fitchburg before joining the Fitchburg State University's Special Education Department.
She was best known for her enthusiastic approach to education. She was a mentor and role model to thousands of her college students who became teachers. One of her former students described her as having that special glow, a master teacher who inspired anyone who she came in contact with.
Kay was well known in the Massachusetts education community for her innovative approach to teaching. She was instrumental in shaping the curriculum of the FSU Special Education Department, the oldest in the state. She was chairperson for the Integrated Professional Program, served on numerous campus committees, and as an advisor to the Newman Club; she was influential in establishing the Newman Center, which served as the college chapel.
She received numerous awards and recognitions during her distinguished career, including the Joel Miller Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the teaching profession, and the FSU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award. The faculty selected her to receive the Centennial Award given at the 100th anniversary of the founding of the University, citing her as representative of teaching excellence at the University. The Diocese of Worcester recognized her work with the Newman Association with the Pro Deo Pro Juventute Award.
In recognition of her years of service to the University and the Fitchburg community, she was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters at the 2002 commencement.
Kay was active in the community having served as a Girl Scout Leader, board member for the Beacon of Hope in Leominster, and on the Mentor Teacher Committee of the City of Fitchburg.
Kay's funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 4, from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, with a Mass in St. Bernard's Parish at St. Camillus Church, 333 Mechanic St. at 11:00am. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Friday, August 3, from 4-7pm.
In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Fitchburg State University Foundation/Kay Flynn Scholarship, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Flynn
Sponsored by Brandon Funeral Home - Fitchburg.
Francine Vautour Pera
July 25, 2021
Kate was a mentor to me as a student, but a special mentor as I took her position for 1year after she retired. She called me at least once a week to see how things were going and I would see her when she would join me to observe student teachers. All in all, she was one of the most supportive professors in the Special Ed. Dept. Much love and dedication to all!
Bill Petersen
August 31, 2018
Bill,
Sorry about your Mom. She obviously lived a long and rewarding life, with much to be proud of. She made a difference.
George Spires
August 30, 2018
August 30, 2018
Bill & Sandy
I knew your Mom as a kindly housewife and mother (my Linda cringes at "housewife", Says it sound like the gal is married to her home). She always seemed cheerful and supportive, great gifts in a Mom. I followed with interest her gumption in pursuing and obtaining her degree(s?)and her long support and activity as an academic professional. I believe you were blessed in having such a woman as your mother.
Ann Pliska
August 8, 2018
Sandy and Bill,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. And, Sandy, just heard from Verna about the loss of your son. How very sad. My heart goes out to all of you.
Ann Pliska
August 8, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ann Marie (Corcoran) Yuscavage
August 4, 2018
Dear Sandy.
So sorry to learn that your mother had passed away. Memories from so long ago come to mind as I read her obituary. I'm glad some of our classmates could be there for you.
Loving thoughts to you.
Ann Marie
Francine Pera
August 4, 2018
Thank you for mentoring me in my education as well as my teaching career, especially when I was an FSC adjunct.
Shari Stokes
August 3, 2018
Kay and I came a little later in life to technological proficiency, so she would understand that my first try at leaving a message did not go as planned. Like Kay, I will perservere.
I had the pleasure of working with Kay for many years in the Special Education Department at Fitchburg State. She enhanced my strategies as we talked about our courses and supervision; she held my feet to the fire when I was Department Chair. Moreover, she was a hoot when we planned gatherings including our celebration of seniors.
We all missed her greatly when she finally, finally decided to retire and were grateful she had waited that long before doing so.
My life was better because Kay was a part of it. I know that is true of so many others. The ripple effects of her work in Girl Scouts, in teaching, in supervision, in anything she did will go on and on.
Through her legacy what an example she leaves us all.
Kelly Chase
August 3, 2018
Thank you for teaching us to make a difference.
Maryann Ngoon
August 2, 2018
Kay, you were an amazing teacher, mentor and friend. If I were not celebrating the birth of my first grandson I would be attending your service. Knowing you, I know that you would understand and share my joy in a new life! To all of your family I express my deepest sympathy. Kay was a great woman and one of a kind ❤
August 2, 2018
Thank you for all your wonderful work to help others. May the angels guide you to heaven to join all those that have gone before us. Rest in peace.
Clara (DiNardo) Longo
August 2, 2018
My sincere sympathy to Kay's family. I was
a student at Fitchburg State (1952-56) and
knew Kay when she worked in the shop across the street. She was a wonderful friend to all. She inspired so many.
So happy she was able to go on to college and
become a wonderful teacher and do so well in
her field of education.
Carol Ellis
August 2, 2018
I was fortunate to be a student in the Special Education program at then Fitchburg State College from 1967-71. Kay was an excellent teacher and mentor during my student teaching experiences. I found the wisdom that she imparted to be invaluable. The lessons I learned held me in good stead as I taught in Massachusetts, Arizona,Frankfurt,Germany and Nebraska. My condolences to her family and please know what a positive difference she made to all who were blessed to learn from her.
Pam Beehler Lawrence
August 2, 2018
As a Fiitchburg graduate, Class of 69, I have very fond memories of Kay Flynn walking into my student teaching classroom and ALWAYS having positive things to say even when I felt she had just witnessed a disaster. Mrs. Flynn molded so many of us into pioneers in the early days of Special Education in Massachusetts. Rest In Peace, dear Mrs. Flynn!
Lisa Rubinstein Scholl
August 2, 2018
My deepest sympathies.
Kay was my second grade teacher at Edgerly back in 1962. Over 50 years later, I still remember her fondly for her warm and encouraging manner.
Patrice RIVAL
August 1, 2018
I did my student teaching under Kay. She was an amazing teacher and mentor in 1963! Sympathy to her family.Patrice Gearan Rival
Jen
August 1, 2018
Bill and Jane Sorry for your loss.
Mary Dennen
August 1, 2018
The role model to all the students that went through the Special Education program @ Fitchburg State.
So lucky to have had her so long.
August 1, 2018
Sorry to here of Kay's passing. A great teacher and person.It was a pleasure knowing her and talking to her in the halls og McKay.
Jim Jellison
August 1, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Eleanor Zichelle
August 1, 2018
Sad to hear of her passing. I remember her as our Girl Scout Leader and going to her home to make cookies with the Girl Scouts. I never forgot the kindness she showed us. She will be remembered always.
Eleanor (Brown) Zichelle
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