Gail D. Flannery

A Celebration of Life Gail D. Flannery January 19, 1936 – October 15, 2016 Gail Dorothea Wagner was an academic, educator, business leader, poet-artist and deeply loved wife, mother and grandmother. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Gail spent her childhood on military bases in Michigan, South Carolina and Texas as her father was a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. After WWII, the family returned to New Jersey and she attended high school at St. Vincent Academy in Newark and received her Bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ. These educational institutions were run by the Sisters of Charity of New Jersey, a group of dedicated and committed professionals founded in 1859. As a product of these women-centered institutions, Gail developed a strong sense of leadership and responsibility, as well as a desire to actively contribute to society. Throughout her long and eventful life Gail consistently demonstrated a gift for celebrating life, finding creative solutions, and discovering her own voice and individuality. She accepted change with enthusiasm and grace, positively influencing her family, friends and all who shared her communities. Gail earned her Master’s degree in English from the University of Notre Dame, and impacted the lives of many young women throughout 13 years of teaching at St. Vincent Academy and the College of St. Elizabeth. At the age of 31, Gail made the transition from an academic environment to the fast-paced business world as Director of Information at Newark’s largest architectural-engineering firm. Several years later, she met Joseph Flannery, a charming and handsome executive for Armco Steel Company and moved to Middletown, Ohio upon their marriage in 1969. Gail’s role transitioned to one of wife and mother, raising two children, Joe B and Susan, and developing a wonderful network of friends in Middletown. Always the organizer, Gail and Joe were known for bringing people together and creating experiences of culture, adventure and fun for friends and family alike. During this time in Middletown Gail also worked in Armco’s Corporate Communications department, producing their internal sales magazine and volunteering in many community organizations. In 1984, Gail became the Director of the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. She developed into a Ohio tourism industry leader, significantly growing the organization during a nine year tenure. Once Joe B. and Susan moved away after college, Gail and Joe embraced retirement and traveled extensively in the U.S. and overseas. They relocated to SaddleBrooke, near Tucson, Arizona in 1996. Arizona truly captured Gail’s heart with its beautiful mountains, healthy climate, wide variety of activities, and the connection with the cultural and educational communities in Tucson. Once again, through her positive energy and talent for organization, Gail brought people together and developed a strong community of friends in their new home where she spent years in various roles for community boards and committees. Upon Joe’s passing in 2009, Gail spent more time with her children and grandchildren, ultimately moving to Petaluma, CA in January 2016 to be with them. She remained physically active and always up for an adventure - the first to accept an opportunity to attend a cultural event or an exploratory drive. She was an energetic and active part of her family, and loved immensely for her spirit and unwavering energy. Gail was loved by all whom she encountered throughout her life – for her graciousness, inspiring intellect, enthusiasm, and contagious smile. She is survived and greatly missed by her children Joe B. Flannery and Susan Flannery Adams of Petaluma, California, and her grandchildren Bennett and Charlie Adams, and Mia James Flannery. Memorial donations may be made to the College of St. Elizabeth online at www.cse.edu/giving or by check payable to College of Saint Elizabeth (In Memory of Gail Wagner Flannery in the memo) and mail to: College of Saint Elizabeth, Institutional Advancement, 2 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ 07960.