Margaret "Elaine" Flanagan's Obituary
Margaret “Elaine” East was born on August 2, 1921 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She left this earth for her heavenly home on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the age of 95.In her sophomore year of high school, Elaine met her husband, Thomas Eugene Flanagan, who coincidentally was born on the same day in the same hospital. Because of this, they always felt they were destined for each other. They were married on March 31, 1939. When war clouds gathered , Gene joined the Navy and for the next four years they were stationed in Memphis, Tennessee. After the war, they and their first child, Sulynn, moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Gene began his printing business.Four more children were born over the next few years- Don, Jill, Mike and Patti, which made their family complete. Elaine was a stay-at-home mother raising her five children. She was fiercely loyal to her husband and children and loved them with her whole heart. Eastwood Baptist Church was an important part of the family’s life. Elaine was the nursery coordinator for many years and remained a faithful member until she moved into the Owasso Baptist Evergreen Care Center.Unfortunately, Gene died suddenly at the young age of 47, leaving Elaine to finish raising Mike and Patti alone. She rose to the occasion of being a single mother and took her first job since high school at Fiesta Pools and Spas where she worked until she retired in her 70’s.She was the matriarch of the family and her family meant everything to her. For years, all the kids and grandkids gathered at her house for lunch every Sunday after church. Elaine’s generous nature and loving heart led her to open her home on many occasions to others in need.Elaine had an adventurous streak. Even though she couldn’t swim, her kids remember her water-skiing, although she never stood up. She also went parasailing in her 60’s. She took many memorable trips with her sister, Evelyn.She had a unique gift of making each of her grandchildren feel that they were her favorite. She was a fun and loving grandmother.Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Flanagan, her parents Carrie and Bonnie, sisters Ina, Nina, and Evelyn, and brothers Bonnie, Earnest, Milton, and Hugh.She is survived by children Sue and husband Jim, Don and wife Janet, Jill and husband Bob, Mike and wife Iva, and Patti and husband Bob; grandchildren Kelly and husband Henry, Gregg and wife Lisa, Mark, Joshua, Megan and husband Todd, Courtney and husband Jon, Ashley and husband Cullen, Patrick, Jessica, Michael, Anna, Andrew and wife Julie, and Adam; Great grandchildren Chris, Scott, Kinley, Justin, Zackary, Krista, Andrew, Blake, Nathan, Tyler, James, Brianne and Shawn; and numerous nieces, nephews, and loving friends.Elaine leaves behind a legacy of faith and unconditional love and her family and friends will miss her everyday.A memorial service will be held at Floral Haven Chapel in her honor on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 12:30 pm.Family and friends are encouraged to gather at the Floral Haven Family Center after the service.
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