Hellogoodbye

Nancy Arberta Towle Flanagan
born August 29, 1927
born into Heaven March 28, 2009

This morning, at 11:32, GG went to be with her Savior. While she will be dearly missed, we are comforted knowing she is now in the presence of the Lord, perfectly happy and pain free.

Nancy was born in Belfast, Maine on August 29, 1927 to Maurice and Evelyn Towle. She was the fifth of six children. Evelyn, Richard, Anna, Frank, Nancy and Sally.

(Gramma is front row left.)

Nancy's childhood home overlooked the Penobscot Bay and Camden mountains. After her father's untimely death, her mother turned the farm house into a boarding home, doing all the cleaning and cooking herself. Their fresh vegetables, berries, chickens, Jersey cream, milk and butter were all produced right there on the farm. After two years of this tireless work, Evelyn decided to pack up her young children and move cross country to California. Teaching herself to drive only the day before.

Nancy spent her next 74 years in the Newport Harbor area. She graduated from Newport Harbor High School in 1945. It was there she met William (Bill) Covington Flanagan (class of 1943), whom she married in 1944. They were married 52 years and had four children, William Jr., Sally (Walters), Susan (Gregg), and Samuel. Bill passed away in 1996.

Nancy and Bill on their Wedding Day

On the beach in Newport

Mother to 4, Gramma to 11, and GG to 13 - Nancy was the consummate matriarch-caretaker of her family. Cooking, Sewing, Scrabble, the Beach, Reading, Lobster and Blush Wine were some of her passions. She also endured her fair share of Baseball, Fishing and Duck Hunting. She could clean and fry the best fish you've ever tasted in minutes flat. All on a camping stove, outside, in a cast iron skillet.

Nancy's last days were not fun, nor were they pretty. But she endured them with grace, patience, and an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She was surrounded by 3 of her children, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren when she drew her last breath. She was ready to go. And we have prayed for this day. But it is still hard to say Goodbye.

Instead I prefer to think of it as Hello! Think of today as the day Nancy was welcomed into Heaven. And Reunited with her Bill. I see him smiling at her, young and handsome, strong and tan, with a full head of curly red hair and dazzling blue eyes. I see her smiling back, young and beautiful, dainty and fair skinned, her black hair pinned up and lips painted ruby red. She laughs as they hug and says to him, "Damn, I forgot how good you looked with teeth!" He grins even wider and says "Finally! Welcome Home."

(My favorite picture of them together)
CLICK HERE to read more about this wonderful woman.