Rita Flanagan

Rita Rose Flanagan passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones Friday December 1, 2017 at the Village of St. Edward in Fairlawn, Ohio. Rita was born September 13, 1926 in Akron, Ohio the eldest of four children born to Rose and George Moffitt. After graduating from Central High School in 1944 she went to work for the Oneil's Company. Soon after, she met and married the late Richard Flanagan. Rita went on to work as an executive secretary with The Sheet Metal Workers Union. At work, she was the pulse of the union hall, a large presence running a tight ship making countless friends along the way. She retired in 1988 with over 40 years of service. After retirement, she volunteered with The Friends of the Elms, the Good Samaritan Hunger Center and The Village of St. Edward. Rita was a second mother to her eleven nieces and nephews. Each made to feel as if they were her favorite. She was larger than life, always impeccably dressed and generous to a fault. Passionate about animals and wildlife, she supported many causes that were close to her heart. She enjoyed reading, gardening, watching the Cleveland Cavs, volunteering and above all spending time with family and friends. While living at St. Edwards she looked forward to weekly visits with her dog Dudley, fettuccini Fridays and Country Maid ice cream on a warm summer day. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and George, brother Bernard Moffitt and nephews David and Daniel Henry. She is survived by sisters Marie (James) Henry of Akron, Ohio, Barbara (James) Censky of McLean, Virginia, eleven nieces and nephews she loved as her own and many great nieces and nephews she treasured. The family would like to thank the staff at The Village of St. Edward and Great Lakes Caring Hospice for the loving care they provided for Rita. Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Visitation will be held at the church 30 minutes prior to the mass. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary or the Humane Society of Summit County.