RENÉE FLANNERY

1949 - 2021

FLANNERY, RENÉE On October 22, 2021 we lost an angel to cancer. Renée Flannery (Rotfarb). Renée fought bravely to the end. Renée was born on April 12, 1949 in Paris, France. In 1958, she immigrated to Toronto along with her loving parents, Sarah and David Rotfarb, both survivors of the Holocaust, and her brother Maurice. They arrived in the winter, young Renée believing that she did something wrong to deserve so much snow and such frigid temperatures. Little did she know that this was only a start to their new and happy life in Canada, while still maintaining their French culture. Renée was married to the love of her life, Ron, for almost 41 years. They were blessed with two loving sons, Michel and Joel. Along with Ron, they were her best caregivers and cheering squad through this, her third bout with cancer and every previous time. Renée care most about being a dedicated mother to her sons. Her biggest wish after her first bout of cancer, when the boys were still infants, was to be around long enough to see her boys grow up to be happy young men. That goal was definitely accomplished. Renée also cared about simple things in life such as being an incredible friend to people and pets. She loved her rescue dog Bones and her cat Zoe. Renée loved animals and always had at least one in her life. Her kindness, honesty, wholesome outlook, and readiness for adventure (especially travelling to many countries), touched many lives. Her smile and sense of humour were highly contagious to everyone she met. Renée loved her work as a Learning Disability Consultant working for the York Region LD Association. Her keen sense of empathy and wealth of knowledge changed many lives as a result. For this, she was highly respected and sought out for as a speaker and counsellor. Her biggest priorities were her family, her friends, spirituality, and contributing to her community. Even though she left this world, she will always be remembered and missed by her loving family and her many lifelong friends. Renée was the most loyal, caring, and true friend. Renée leaves behind her husband Ron Flannery, sons Michel and Joel Flannery, brother Maurice (Eudice) Rotfarb, niece Sabrina, and nephews Elliott and Ira. She also leaves behind her step-children, Catherine and Tom. Rest in peace gentle Renée. You will forever be in all of our hearts. Memorial donations may be made to the LDAYR – Learning Disabilities Association of York Region, 905-884-7933, or to the Margaret Bahen Hospice, 905- 967-1500.