Search by Name

Search by Name

Catherine Marie Frances "Minnie" Flynn

5/1/1924 - 3/18/2023

Catherine Marie Frances "Minnie" Flynn obituary, 5/1/1924-3/18/2023, Mystic, CT

BORN

5/1/1924

DIED

3/18/2023

Catherine Flynn Obituary

Mystic - Catherine Marie "Minnie" Frances Flynn passed away peacefully March 18, 2023, after celebrating her last St. Patrick's Day. She was born in Jersey City, N.J., May 1, 1924, to Catherine and Joseph McGuirl. Cathy was predeceased by her loving husband Vincent; her son Thomas Michael; and her brother Joseph. She is survived by her son Vincent and wife Louise Flynn; daughter Kathy and husband Armand Halter; and daughter-in-law Cathy Flynn. Cathy will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren: Kevin, Brian, Vincent, Katie, Erin, Emma and Bridget; and three great-grandchildren, Madison, Parker and Arthur.

Cathy grew up in Jersey City, and enjoyed telling the story about how her husband-to-be, Vincent, took one look at her at a St. Michael's High School dance and told his friends, "I'm going to marry that girl," and walked her home that evening. When it came time for prom, she turned down several invitations, hoping that Vincent could scrape together the money to invite her, and he did. They married during the war with Vincent on active duty in the Army Medical Corps. Three children later they moved to Livingston, N.J., where Cathy, the city girl, was thrilled to see the pretty flowers (dandelions) in the lawn. She worked in the Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Office at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, and was involved in her community as a Girl Scout leader, scorekeeper for Little League, and an active member of St. Philomena's Church.

Cathy had a fun-loving nature with an Irish twinkle in her eye, and was always cheerful, friendly, warm and generous. She could put a positive spin on anything, and her children grew up confident there was no problem she could not solve. Cathy went around singing songs like, "Que Sera Sera" and "Georgie Girl," and the fact that she knew only the first stanzas never stopped her. She loved her family, friends, traveling, celebrations, her Irish heritage, walking on the beach, dogs, parades, stylish clothes, finding the perfect card, Pinot Grigio, Rummikub, Landmark pizza, Wheel of Fortune, pasta and meatballs, Little Bites, and desserts. Cathy cherished playing and making fun memories with her grandchildren, and did her best to attend numerous birthdays, First Communions, graduations, and school and sporting events. She had a long list of special friends, including her dear neighbor Loretta, and the two friends were the life of the party and usually the last to leave. Cathy was involved in numerous clubs including the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, where year after year she sold more red poppies for the parade than anyone else in Livingston, and the Shillelagh Club where she and Vincent enjoyed a good drink or two. On a visit to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, they quickly became fast friends with a new group of people, returning year after year, and even after Vincent passed, Cathy continued to come, usually making friends with the airline passenger next to her on the way down.

Cathy gave and received love throughout her life; there were no regrets; and everyone she met is a better person for having known her. She is deeply missed by her family and friends; and in her memory, we encourage everyone to cherish and pass on the love and laughter that Cathy so generously gave to others.

Cathy's family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff at Academy Point in Mystic, particularly Marie DeCoste, her guardian angel on earth, and the compassionate caregivers in Harbor who called her "Grandma," for their genuine love, respect and excellent care, and for becoming Cathy's second family over the past six and a half years. A Celebration of her Life will be held by the family this summer. Donations in Cathy's memory may be made to your local Humane Society, a cause that was dear to her heart.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Apr. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Flynn

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Bobbi Parker

April 10, 2025

Cathy was the most Delightful, Sweet, Caring person I was sooooo fortunate to have known. Her sweet smile and love she had for everyone will always remain in my heart.

Mureen

April 30, 2023

Cathy has been in my thoughts for awhile since we are approaching May 1. I was even thinking of visiting her tomorrow but decided to check here. Cathy was a sweetheart. I learnt a lot about patient care (my first experience) working with her. We had great laughs together. Condolences to the family especially her daughter Cathy who was always there for her mom. She was very polite and kind to us caregivers often making recommendations for service awards. Prayers for you all as you mourn her loss.

Single Memorial Tree

Our Love, Bobbi and Bob

Planted Trees

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Catherine Flynn's name

Memorial Events
for Catherine Flynn

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Catherine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Catherine Flynn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more