Marilyn Flannigan

Chassell – Marilyn Ellen Flannigan, 98, of Chassell, Michigan, entered eternal life while in the care of her loving family and Portage Pointe staff early Wednesday morning, June 7, 2023, in Hancock.

Marilyn was born March 8, 1925 in Duluth, Minnesota, to John and Johanna ‘Jose’ (Shea) Sullivan and graduated from St. Scholastica High School in Duluth. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Minnesota and taught in northern Minnesota.

She then earned two Master’s Degrees from Northern Michigan University; one in Guidance and Counseling, and the other in English, while continuing her career with Negaunee Public Schools.

Mrs. Flannigan was a devout member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Houghton.

Marilyn especially loved the frequent visits of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a knack for making friends, which was evident by her many long time and new friends in Marquette County during her career, as well as in the Copper Country during her retirement years. Marilyn became endeared to multiple generations of her friends’ families. She was an avid reader and shared that enthusiasm with others.

Marilyn was a passionate dog lover, and visiting canines always found treats in the milk bone jar! She regularly had a warm welcome to travelers passing through.

Her generous nature was expressed in many ways. Her home was frequently the vacation destination for so many of her friends and family. She had a soft spot in her heart for her home state Minnesota sport teams. Marilyn was unique in her ability to do her daily New York Times crossword puzzles in ink.

Surviving are her son, Dennis (Joletta) Flannigan; two daughters: Mary Jo Thompson and Peg Flannigan; sister, Julie Jeronimus; niece, Kathi (Tim) Hinueber; two nephews, Dave Jeronimus and Rick Jeronimus; seven grandchildren: Jaime Marengo, Shannon (Joe) Brown, Katie (Bill Baus) Herrala, Stephanie (Bill) Monette, David (Kimberly) Zettel, Geoffrey Zettel, Rob Flannigan; eight great grandchildren: MyKayla Brown, Kennedy Brown, Laura Monette, Brynn Monette, Henry Monette, Declan Zettel, Eli Marengo and Dominic Marengo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jose Sullivan; her daughter, Rene Flannigan Marengo; her son-in-law, Robert Thompson; and her brother-in-law, Chuck Jeronimus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13th at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Houghton with Rev. Ben Hasse officiating.

The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday, and also at a luncheon immediately following services in the church hall. A private family burial will take place in the Forest Hills Cemetery.

Donations in Marilyn’s memory are requested to be directed to the Copper Country Humane Society, 501 Nara Park Road, Houghton, MI 49931.

Mrs. Flannigan’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.