Kathleen Claire Flaherty

Kathleen Claire (McGlinchy) Flaherty, age 76, of Prairie Village, Kansas, died on Friday, May 4, 2007, surrounded in love, by her family. Claire was born on August 20, 1930 in Topeka, KS, to Ella Rose McHale McGlinchy and Laurence John McGlinchy. She also lived in Garnett, KS, St. Mary's, KS and Ottawa where she graduated from Ottawa High School in 1948. Claire received her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from St. Mary College in Leavenworth, KS in 1953. She worked for the Gas Service Co. in their test kitchen writing recipes. Her strong, devoted and unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life that she shared with her wonderful husband of 51 years. Claire and Don met in the choir at St. Ann's where she was the organist and Don was the choir director. She was a "behind the scenes" volunteer at church throughout her life. After unconditionally dedicating herself to raising her seven children, Claire entered the work force again with Family Features, a job she truly enjoyed. She also worked for Kaiser Permanente and First National Bank of Kansas. Claire placed great value, love and energy in her family, was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, and never missed an opportunity to remind people of her ties to St. Mary's, KS. Preceding her in death are her parents; brother, Harry Joe McGlinchy; sister, Alice O'Donnell; husband Donald M. Flaherty II; and infant son, Joseph. She is survived by her seven children and spouses Amy & Rick Hetherington, Kansas City, Mo; Claudia & Steve Klovski, Reno, NV; Rebecca & Craig Snodgrass, Prairie Village, KS; Paul & Connie Flaherty, Kansas City, KS; Emily & Andy Wilcox, Lee's Summit, MO; Joyce & Leo Vordoni, Kansas City, MO; and Brian Flaherty, Seattle, WA. Her sister Rosemary Mulcahy; son-in-law Alex DiDonato; sister-in-law, Sr. Rita Flaherty, CSJ; and brother-in-law, Fr. Edward Flaherty, S.J. also survive her. Claire was the proud grandmother of Stephanie, Sharon, Graham, Sarah, Kelsey, Brendan, Vasile and Yalei. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:00 A.M. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. Visitation will be held at McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS 66204, Monday, May 7, 2007 from 5-7 P.M., with the Rosary to be prayed at 6:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Ann's School Scholarship Fund, 7421 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208, as a memorial scholarship for children to receive a Catholic education, which was her foundation in life. (Arr.: McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 913-642-3565)