Obituary of Elizabeth Flynn

Elizabeth (Betty) Flynn
 

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we share the passing of Elizabeth (Betty) Flynn, age 94, on October 27, 2025, at the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre in Stephenville Crossing, NL.

Born on September 17, 1931, in South East Bight, Placentia Bay, NL, Betty was the daughter of the late Ignatius and Mary (White) Ward. She lived a long and beautiful life defined by kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community.

After finishing school, Betty attended summer school at Memorial University and became a teacher. In 1950, she moved to Winterhouse on the Port au Port Peninsula, where she taught in a one-room schoolhouse. It was there she met her first husband, Mathias Lainey, and they were married on March 29, 1951. Together they raised seven children in a home filled with love, music, laughter, and countless happy memories.

In 1962, Betty and Mathias opened a small convenience store in West Bay Centre, where she faithfully served her community for 57 years. Her dedication and friendly spirit made the store much more than a business—it was a gathering place, and Betty welcomed everyone who came through the door. All customers were treated equally, with respect and dignity. She has even admitted that sometimes she was a little soft-hearted, letting people leave without paying.

After Mathias passed away on October 12, 1976, Betty later found love again with Gerrard (Gerry) Flynn, whom she married on July 3, 1981. Together, they created a blended family of twelve adult children. Gerry passed away on September 20, 2012, and though Betty missed him dearly, she continued to find strength in her family, faith, and friendships.

Betty will be lovingly remembered for her gentle nature, quick wit, and endless generosity. She had a way of making everyone feel at home—whether it was through her warm smile, a comforting cup of tea and raisin bread at her kitchen table, or a kind word just when it was needed most. She loved music, playing cards, and bingo, and she found great joy in simple pleasures and good company.

Her greatest pride was her family, her greatest comfort, her faith. A devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League for nearly 39 years, Betty’s faith guided her throughout her life, and she lived it daily through her compassion, hospitality, and quiet strength.

She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory always: daughters Beverley (Eldon) Eveleigh and Deborah (Harvie) Sweezie; sons Fidelis, Wade (Gwen), Chad (Belinda), Norbert, and Wendel (Julie); stepchildren Leroy (Cathy), Roxanne (Otto) Rowsell, Rhonda (Steve) Coll, Lori Flynn-MacIsaac, and Kim (Watson); grandchildren Robert, Shanna, Matthew, Timothy, Lindsey, Leanna, Adam, Jacob, Maria, and Joy; and great-grandchildren Scott, Hudson, Brody, Ruby, Cooper, Regan, Jake, Gabriel, and Gia. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Martha Ward and Edna Ward, and by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Betty was predeceased by her husband’s Mathias and Gerry; her sister Susan James; brothers Ignatius, Jack, and Fidelis; sister-in-law May Ward; brother-in-law George James; daughter- in-law Donna Lainey, and her beloved furry companion Spot.

Following Betty’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been made to Fillatre’s Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 6 from 6-9 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Lourdes, NL. Service to follow on Friday, November 7 at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Tea Cove Cemetery, West Bay.

 For those who wish, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to Lourdes Grotto, Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital, The Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Acadian Village Senior Retirement Living and Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre for their compassion and care during Betty’s later years.

She lived simply, loved deeply, and gave generously. Her kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.