Iris Joe Flaharty

A Funeral Mass for Iris Flaharty, 85, of Athens, is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the St. Edward's Catholic Church Education and Ministry Center, with Father Nolan Lowry officiating. Interment will follow at Mary Queen of Heaven in Malakoff under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
Mrs. Flaharty passed away on July 6, 2025, in Athens.
Iris Joe (Biehunko) Flaharty was born on January 30, 1940, in Victoria, Texas. She was the daughter of Harold A. Biehunko and Georgia Elizabeth (Hanes) Biehunko. Iris was a member of both Mary Queen of Heaven and St. Edward's Catholic Church. For over 30 years, she owned and operated with her husband a CPA practice in Dallas and later in Malakoff. A passionate private pilot, Iris loved flying and traveling. At one point in her life, she even lived on a houseboat in San Diego, which she cherished as a fond memory. Additionally, she was a talented creator in pottery and stained glass, and she enjoyed gardening. Iris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Patrick Flaharty; her sons, David R. Flaharty and Douglas Joe Flaharty; her brother William Biehunko and her sister Hariett Biehunko.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law Lynne Newman and a host of friends who love her dearly.
Serving as pallbearers will be Sandra Minter, Cindy Carter, Lisa Rhodes, Lynne Newman, Rhoda Myers and Teena Shore.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 4-6:00 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home, with the Rosary following at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, consider honoring her memory by making a contribution to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.