Hi John
They are both friends from Niantic. I’ve met them and believe they are also seasonal residents. Been a few years since they have been to our reunions though. They are not relatives.
We will be heading out on Tues for the funeral.
Too bad you didn’t get a chance to meet her, great Lady. I’m glad your Dad did anyway.
Kathy
——- Original Message ——-
From: research@hannigangenealogy.us
To: vkb@twcny.rr.com
Sent: Saturday, September 01, 2007 9:24 PM
Subject: Mrs. Estelle Flanagan life story from research@hannigangenealogy.us
research@hannigangenealogy.us has forwarded the following life story to you from www.mem.com
Check this out – was referenced at the end of the obituary in the Hartford newspaper. There are two pictures in the image gallery – one looks like it is a crop of the larger picture. There are two other ladies with Aunt Estelle. Kathy do you know who they are? Blessings, John C. Hannigan Jacksonville, Florida
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Biography
Estelle (Gillman) Flanagan of Singer Island, FL, Niantic, CT and Glastonbury, CT died peacefully at Hartford Hospital Thursday, August 30, 2007 surrounded by her loving family. She died as she had lived her life – with grace and dignity. Estelle was born January 24th, 1928 in Milton, MA, daughter of the late George Francis Gillman and Anna Eva (Rouleau) Gillman. In addition to her husband Thom, she is survived by her four children, Ken, “Chip”, Carol-Lynne (Casey), Kevin and their spouses Joan, Leslee, Joseph and Kim all of Glastonbury. Estelle also leaves to mourn her passing her greatest joy, her ten Grandchildren, Sean, Meaghan, Thomas, Terry, Carrie-Ellen, Julianna, Erin (Casey), Maire (Casey), Aishleen and Kevin all of Glastonbury. Estelle is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Anna & Neal Bibens, her sister-in-laws Helyn Flanagan Mulcahy and Josephine Flanagan and many nephews and nieces from the extended Gillman and Flanagan families as well as many dear friends from Glastonbury, Crescent Beach and Singer Island. Estelle was predeceased by her siblings George, Stanley and Kathy. While busy raising her four children, Estelle always found time to give back to her community through her numerous involvements with local state and national activities. For over 25 years she was involved with the CT Federation of Women’s Club, having held a variety of titles, including president in 1968 – 1969. During her involvement in the Democratic Party, she ranged from local appointed positions to being an alternate delegate at the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami, FL. She loved the excitement of being at the local democratic headquarters on election night awaiting the results. In 1972 she ran unsuccessfully for state senate. A long time member of the Glastonbury Democratic Town Committee, she was honored in 1977 as Democrat of the Year. Estelle initiated the formation of an ad hoc Safety Committee that eventually became formalized as the Glastonbury Safety Commission on which she served as chair for several years. In recognition of these efforts, she received a letter of commendation from then Governor, Thomas Meskill. Estelle also served as a local congressional aide to former 1st district Congressman Mim Daddario. She served as a Justice of the peace for 10 years and also served as a member of the Commission on Aging. After her husband Thom was stricken with a cerebral aneurism in Oct 1976, Estelle became his primary caregiver and pillar of strength for her family. After grueling months of therapy in which she provided the love and daily encouragement Thom regained his mobility and they began to travel. Ireland, England, Italy, Russia, Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, the Caribbean islands and a magnificent cruise to Alaska were all destinations that they shared together with friends and family. Estelle loved the beauty of the ocean enjoying forty five summers at their family home at Crescent Beach, Niantic and over thirty five years of extended Winter home on Singer Island, Florida where she made her final home. At these locations many of her most favorite memories were created. Estelle always put the needs of others before her own needs. She was generous and kind and a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Those who loved her will miss her dearly. Today there is sadness in her passing from our earthly presence however there is joy in knowing that she lived a full life dedicated to her family and friends. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Orlando Kirton and the dedicated and talented staff at Hartford Hospital for the care and compassion given to our mom. Funeral services will be on Wednesday September 5th, 8:45 a.m. at the Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Tpke., Glastonbury, CT followed with a mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in Saint Patrick – Saint Anthony Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Her family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday September 4th from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Estelle’s name to the National Lung Cancer Partnership, 222 North Midvale Blvd., Suite 6, Madison, WI 53705.
Images
Mrs. Estelle Flanagan
Mrs. Estelle Flanagan
Born:
January 24, 1928
Died:
August 30, 2007
Memorialized by:
Glastonbury Funeral Home, Glastonbury, CT