Obituary of Ellen Flynn

With great sadness we announce the loss of Ellen “Nellie” Flynn, 86, who passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Nellie was born in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland on July 22, 1937.  She enjoyed telling stories to her family and friends of her early years in Ireland; we will fondly remember the many stories of her adventures at the “Pond” and Galway Bay.  Nellie left her home in Ireland as a young woman coming to America joining her sisters NYC. 

It was in NY where she met the love of her life John Flynn.  Nellie and John were married for 55 years and moved to NJ where they had four beautiful daughters, Claire, Rosemary, Kathleen, and Eileen.  Nellie was a dedicated mother first and foremost.  In addition to her duties as a Mother Nellie was very active in the North Jersey Irish American Association. 

Nellie treasured the time with her family.  She especially enjoyed her role as Nanny to her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dogs; they were her love and joy.  Nellie would love spending time with them telling the stories of her life, singing her Irish songs, and teaching them how to bake her famous scones.  They were the light of her life and always brought a smile to her face.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband John, her brother Thomas Fahy, and her sisters Julia Slattery, Agnes Woods, and Peggy Holmes.  She is survived by her sister Mary Noone. Nellie leaves behind four daughters; Claire Serafin, Rosemary Fahy, Kathleen Hughes, and Eileen Flynn; her sons-in-law William Serafin, Kevin Fahy, and John Hughes.  Nellie has 10 grandchildren; John Joseph Fahy, Steven Serafin, Brittany Toolen, Sean Serafin, Kevin Fahy, Shannon Fernandez, Lyndsie Cacciabeve, Stephanie Flannery, Liam Fahy, John Hughes, Ditto and Nellie; along with 5 great-grandchildren;  Martha Serafin, Wesley Toolen, Philip Serafin, Addison Fernandez, and Charolette Toolen.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday October 22, 2023 from 2-6 pm at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 NJ-10W Randolph, NJ (tuttlefh.com).  A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday October 23, 2023 10 am at St. Cecilia Church, 90 Church St, Rockaway, NJ.  Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.  The rains fall soft upon your fields.  And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.