In case this goes away at some point, my Grandma’s obituary was published by Florida Today:
CAROL FLYNN – PALM BAY – Carol Ann Flynn, 71, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2008 in Palm Bay. She will be sadly missed by her husband, Donald E. Flynn; loving children, Donald W. (Tayna) Flynn of Palm Bay, Daniel (Sharon) Flynn of Ft. Lee, VA, Pamela (Keith) Schlarf of Arizona, Lori Flynn of Maine, Elaine Flynn of Palm Bay and Mary Ellen (Joseph) Mathe of Orlando; 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Cremation Arrangements by Fountainhead Memorial Funeral Home, Palm Bay.
The service took place on Monday afternoon at a beautiful little Catholic church in the area, just as my grandma wanted. I’m impressed at how quickly things came together, everything was done very well. After the service, the family (the thirteen of us who attended) all headed down to Meg O’Malley’s in downtown Melbourne, one of my grandma’s favorite pub+eatery places. We ordered a table full of appetizers and drinks all around to celebrate her life. My Aunt Mary Ellen and I had martinis, grandma’s favorite drink.
I’m staying with my Aunt Elaine and cousin Chet. I’ve lived with them a couple times over the years, and it’s been far too long since we’ve spent any time together. My mother stayed here as well, just flew back to Maine early this morning. I’ll be flying out tomorrow evening, which is a bit late – but when I booked my flight I wasn’t positive about timing. No complaints from me though, this is a sad time and I’m making the best of the time I’m spending with a loving family who is generous with their hugs. Given everything else I’ve gone through this year I really needed this, knowing people care and are thinking of you is one thing, but touching and getting spoken words of sympathy and love is something very different, and precisely what I needed.
On top of all this, my employer has been fantastic. I really couldn’t have asked for more support, I’ve checked in pretty regularly but my boss hasn’t needed me very much. I’ll be returning to work as soon as I wake up on Friday morning :)
It’s been a tough week, but we’re all doing alright.
Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008 at 7:46
I’m glad it went ok, these things are never easy.
Your grandmother will always be with you…