Carolann Flaherty

Carolann Flaherty, 83, lived with a lightness of spirit and an open heart-always forgiving, endlessly positive and unfailingly kind. She was full of joy and seemed to find the good in every situation. Carolann had a way of making people feel loved and seen and these gifts she shared will live on in all of us. Carolann passed away peacefully after a brief illness on May 5, 2025, surrounded by her family in Vero Beach, Florida.
Carolann was born on March 2, 1942, in Woodside, Queens where she was raised by her parents Michael and Catherine Lyons along with her sister Kathryn (Frank Orlando) and brother Joseph (Maureen "Dede"). She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Kathryn.
She attended The Mary Louis Academy, and earned her undergraduate degree from Fordham University. She went on to earn Master's in both Special Education and Reading and had a lengthy career in teaching, working many years at George Fisher Middle School in Carmel, NY.
To know Carolann was to hear her laughter ring out in a room before you even saw her. She was a self-proclaimed "Maker of Fun" and danced her way into the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know her. Whether she was entertaining family or friends, sharing a heartfelt story, or simply being present with those she loved, she made every moment more vibrant, more honest and more fun.
In 1988 Carolann was preceded in death by her first husband, John Dignam, with whom she shared four children, John (Ann), Kelliann (Gregory Kallaur), Michael (Jennifer), Kathleen (Joseph Keenan), and her adored grandchildren, Molly, John, Alexandra, Julia, John, Rowan, Nolan, Maeve and Flannery.
Carolann found love again in 1997, marrying Thomas Flaherty, welcoming Thomas, Maura (Richard Byrnes) and Patrick (Jennifer) into her heart and going on to become a grandmother to Anna, Clare, Grace, Emily, Marta, Natalie and Joseph. Time spent with her grandchildren was one of her greatest joys.
Carolann was also extremely blessed to have the love and support of her dear sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and close friends with whom she shared much joy and laughter. When she wasn't spending time with family and friends or traveling, Carolann could often be found reading, playing mahjong, or enjoying the beach in Vero, Cape Cod, or Lake Carmel.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cargain Funeral Home, 10 Fowler Avenue, Carmel, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate Carolann's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1 Doherty Road, Carmel, N.Y.
Private cremation will take place following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Carolann's memory to or another charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., 10 Fowler Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512, 845-225-3672, .
We at Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc. are deeply committed to responsibly responding to the health, well-being, and needs of the families, guests and communities we are privileged to serve.