Catherine I. Flanagan's Obituary
Catherine I. Flanagan (nee Cicali), of Cinnaminson, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Nicholas and Mary (nee Visone) Cicali, she was 86 years old.
Catherine was the beloved wife of 64 years to the late Thomas Gray Flanagan, who passed in May of 2024. Loving mother of Timothy Flanagan (Sharon), Jay Flanagan (Dawn), late son, Thomas J. Flanagan; cherished grandmother of Tara (Scott), Tommy, Brooke, Karlee, Matt, Tim (Nicole), Paige, and Kelly. Catherine is also survived by her loving sisters, Josephine (George) and Marie, along with many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly. Catherine was predeceased by her two brothers, Nicholas and Joseph Cicali.
Catherine maintained several jobs throughout her career but her main focus was always to take care of her family. A woman of little need, she was much more interested in giving to the church and others than receiving gifts. She would often say, “as long as my family is healthy, I have everything.” She would also boast of how proud and how much she loved her children and grandchildren. “God has blessed me with the best kids and grandchildren” was one of her mantras. Her home was always welcoming as Catherine proudly hosted her sons and friends at the Flanagans’ residence as they grew up in Delran.
Her Christian faith was paramount to the person she was. Often Catherine was in possession of one of her many rosaries and a prayer book. Despite her declining health in the latter stages, she could still recite the end of a prayer if started by a loved one. Moreover, she had the ability to listen to her Frank Sinatra songs and sing the lyrics regardless of her infirmity.
Coming from a large Italian family, cooking was clearly her forte. Like her sisters, Catherine could quickly scratch together a quick meal for the large family that ended as a delicacy. Showing care or appreciation to a neighbor or friend would include baking one of her wide array of dessert specialties. She was also the go-to seamstress for homemade wedding gowns and making any last minute alterations for anyone in need.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Friday, November 15th, at Resurrection Parish St. Casimir’s site, from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Her funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 and followed by interment at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Counsel at https://www.goodcounselhomes.org/how-to-help/donate
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