Regina Connelly Flannery, an Orange County Resident, Dies at 89

Regina Connelly Flannery, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, October 4, 2017. She was 89 years young.

Daughter of the late Kathryn V. (McCormick) and Edward D. Connelly, she was born in Maybrook, NY on April 11, 1928 and was a lifelong resident of Orange County. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Dr. James J. Flannery, two infant sons, James Joseph Flannery, Jr. and Edward Daniel Flannery; a sister, Roseanna Connelly Mulligan and a brother Dr. Neil O’Boyle Connelly.

She is survived by her five children: Regina Flannery Crossley (Douglas) of Newburgh, Rhea Flannery Fleckenstein (Douglas) of Newburgh, Robert M. Flannery (Nora) of Bronxville, NY, Timothy S. Flannery of Blandon, PA and Daniel F.X. Flannery (Tammy) of Warwick, NY. Survivors also include 17 grandchildren: Ryan (Francesca), Kathryn and Colin (Casie) Crossley; Hannah and Michael Fleckenstein; Haley, James III, Victoria, Dayton, John and Aidan Flannery; Megan Flannery Ware (Timothy), Molly, Kyle, Abigail and Amy Flannery; and Erin Flannery; and great-granddaughter Ella Shea Crossley; a cousin Ann McCormick Hoeffner of Montgomery; sisters-in-law Karen Flannery of Campbell Hall, Margaret McGinnis of Cornwall-on-Hudson; Theresa Hoffman of Goshen, Joan Flannery of Campbell Hall and numerous nieces and nephews.

Regina, known affectionately as Genie to her friends and La to her family, was a graduate of Maybrook High School and the Katharine Gibbs School in Manhattan. She faithfully devoted many long hours as the business manager of The Flannery Animal Hospital for over 35 years. She developed many business practices there that are still in use today.

Regina generously served her community in many ways. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Newburgh Day Nursery and the YWCA of Orange County, NY. She was a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels food delivery program and the Newburgh Sharks swimming team. She campaigned tirelessly for the construction of a pool at Newburgh Free Academy, which continues to serve the community today. She was a devout member of the Church of St. Mary in Newburgh.

Regina was a long time member of the Powelton Club where she enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She was also an accomplished artist with a special talent for oil painting.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, October 8, at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father William Scafidi on Monday, October 9, at 10 a.m. at The Church of St. Patrick and St. Mary, 55 Grand Street, Newburgh. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Montgomery.

In Regina’s memory, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 125 Washington Street, Newburgh, NY 12550, Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh, PO Box 2615, Newburgh NY 12550 and Hudson Valley SPCA, 940 Little Britain Road, New Windsor, NY 12553.