Cecelia Donnelly Flanagan Celebrates 100th Birthday
She Grew Up on Mackinac Island's Market Street
By Eric Fish

Cecelia Donnelly Flanagan, one of Mackinac Island's most venerable residents, celebrated her 100th birthday Wednesday, July 4, at Mackinac Straits Hospital's Long Term Care Facility in St. Ignace. She received many cards and flowers, including one bouquet containing 100 red roses, and greeted visitors, regaling some with tales from Mackinac's past.

Mrs. Flanagan grew up on Market Street and is a longtime member of the Michigan and Mackinac Island Historical societies, and a member of the Parish at Ste. Anne's Church.

Mrs. Flanagan was graduated from the Detroit Normal Teachers College, known today as Wayne State University, with a life-long certificate in teaching, which is equivalent to a master's degree today. She taught school for many years on Mackinac Island.

In 1937, she and J. D. Flanagan were married, and the couple later welcomed their only child, Kathleen Hoppenrath, who now is the clinic coordinator at the Mackinac Island Medical Center.

Mrs. Hoppenrath spent the afternoon of July 4 celebrating her mother's birthday in St. Ignace with birthday cake, punch, and piano music from Mrs. Flanagan's nephew, Jack Welcher.

Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud awarded Mrs. Flanagan with a proclamation at the Monday, July 2 meeting of the City Council.

"We express heartfelt appreciation for her many contributions leading to the growth and many achievements of Mackinac Island," Mayor Doud said. "We congratulate and salute Cecelia Donnelly Flanagan for her 100 years of life and many contributions to Mackinac Island."

"It's something that she will be extremely pleased with," said Mrs. Hoppenrath, who received the proclamation on behalf of her mother.

Mrs. Flanagan, her memory as sharp as ever, said she was delighted with the well-wishes she received from her family and friends.