Eulogy ~ Cecelia Flanagan
By Jeannette Doud

We mourn the loss of our dear friend, Cecelia Donnelly Flanagan, who passed away Wednesday evening, November 28, at the Long Term Care Facility in St. Ignace. She was 100 years old July 4, 2007.

Born on Mackinac in the Donnelly home on Market Street, she was one of five daughters and one brother of the late William and Mary Donnelly Sr. She was joined in marriage at Ste. Anne's Church September 30, 1937, to James Donlevy Flanagan.

Cecelia was very proud of her Irish heritage and would always enjoy celebrating St. Patrick's Day March 17.

A graduate of the Mackinac Island Public School, she later attended Detroit Teachers College, now Wayne State University, where she obtained a life certificate in education. She taught at the Island school, and I was proud to be one of her pupils.

Cecelia had a brilliant knowledge of the true history of Mackinac, which she shared with family and friends. She was very proud and pleased when someone would ask her a historic question. She took time to be friendly, it was her road to happiness.

On Mackinac, she lived in her comfortable residence on Market Street, across from the City Park, where she could see all the activities taking place and the coming and going of her Island friends. She especially enjoyed seeing the flag at the Veterans Memorial, and the lighted Christmas tree that stood proud and stalwart throughout the holiday season.

Each fall, a delightful dinner would be hosted at Dr. Dave and Grace Armour's home at Fort Mackinac, where Cecelia would be the guest of honor. Great memories not soon to be forgotten.

I had the extreme pleasure July 4 to be with Cecelia and her family to celebrate her 100th birthday. We had a wonderful time. Everyone gathered in the dining room of the facility for delicious birthday cake and ice cream. Cecelia's nephew, Jack Welcher, entertained everyone by playing old Irish tunes, followed by the music from "Somewhere in Time."

Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen Hoppenrath of Mackinac Island; a sister, Adelaide Oenning of Skokie, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Ste. Anne's Catholic Church Saturday, December 8, at 11:30 a.m. with Father Rey Garcia S.J. officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Mackinac Straits Hospital New Building Fund in appreciation for the wonderful care Cecelia received from the staff at the long term care.

To Cecelia:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.