FLANAGAN
Catherine Mary (Biddy) Flanagan of Red Deer passed away on Sunday, May 27 at Bethany CollegeSide. Biddy was born on September 22, 1934 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She began her schooling in Melville, spent many years at Duck Lake and completed her high school education at Sion Convent in Saskatoon. Biddy was a proud graduate of St. Paul Hospital in the School of Nursing program. She enjoyed reunions with her alumni classmates and was fortunate to have attended St. Paul's 50th Anniversary Reunion in 2006. Biddy started her nursing career in Biggar, Saskatchewan and later worked with the Saskatchewan Health Division in Saskatoon. In 1961, Biddy married Patrick and they moved to Red Deer in April, 1962. Together they raised six children - enjoying family trips, summers at Sylvan Lake, and endless family gatherings. Biddy made many contributions to her community. She canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society and the United Way. She also earned recognition for her many years of voluntary service with the Red Deer Housing Authority. Upon re-entering the workforce, Biddy returned to her nursing roots and took a position as Unit Secretary at the Red Deer Auxiliary Hospital. She was well respected and admired; many family members of patients would describe her genuine warmth and compassion. Biddy was a shrewd card player - enjoying games of Bridge, Cribbage and Rummy. She cherished the company of her many dear friends. She will always be remembered for her exuberant personality, her loyal friendship, and her willingness to extend a helping hand under any circumstance. She would often be found solving the problems of the world into the wee hours of the morning. Biddy will be forever loved and deeply missed by her husband of 51 years, Patrick. She will be lovingly remembered by daughters, Patti, Dawn and Mary; sons, Jamie (Kim), Dan (Judi) and Tim; eleven grandchildren, Trish, Mitchell, Kate, Meghan, Samantha, Brady, Spencer, Cassandra, Bryn, Quinn and Kenna; and three great grandchildren, Ava, Avery and Victoria. She is survived by one sister, Patricia Campbell of Calgary and one brother, Ron Murphy of Kelowna. Biddy was predeceased by her mother, Disa. The family would like to acknowledge and thank all the caregivers who contributed to Biddy's care, especially during the last few difficult years. Funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Church on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Biddy's honour to the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories (ASANT) 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1 Telephone: 1-866-950-5465