Gladys Luriela (Flaherty) Flynn

FLYNN

Gladys Luriela (Flaherty)

Age 93, of Castle Shannon, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Daughter of the late Joseph Francis and the late Nellie Myrtle Menebrocker Flaherty.

Beloved wife of the late Robert J. Flynn, loving mother to the late Richard Flynn of Pittsburgh, the late David (Janet) Flynn of Morgantown, WV., and Luriela (Gerald) Lamb of Chapin, SC. Dear Grandmother of Christopher, Daniel (Mallory), Gregory Flynn and Caroline (Jeffrey) Cannon, Mitchell, and Matthew (Jannis) Lamb. Sister of the late Myrtle Flaherty, Patricia Hoffman, the late Russell, Norman, Clifford, and Robert Flaherty.

Gladys lived during the Great Depression, World War II rationing years, and graduated from South Hills High School, class of June 1949. She had dreams of pursuing nursing following graduation, but a sledding accident in 1949 resulted in a paralyzed arm. She never considered her arm a handicap as she continued her independence while driving a car, crocheting, tatting lace, tying shoes, and pinning curled hair. She was a choir member of Haven Episcopal Methodist Church on Oneida street where she married Robert Jefferson Flynn Jr. on November 14, 1953.

As a Navy wife, she had multiple residences including Philadelphia, PA and Norfolk, VA. She worked as a receptionist, telephone operator, and file clerk before having children. Gladys returned to Pittsburgh in 1965, where she became a Boy Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, babysitter at the YWCA and churches. She delivered meals for four years and served as secretary for eighteen years for the Shannon Meals on Wheels program. A member of Castle Shannon United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School, served on many committees, and sat as Chairlady of the Prayer Chain and President of the United Methodist Women. Additionally, she contributed to World Day of Prayer services for Church Women United for 30 years. 

In 1999 Gladys was a finalist for and ultimately was awarded and recognized as the South Hills Area Citizen of the Year. She enjoyed modeling at fashion shows organized by The Sociables; performing for churches, senior citizen centers, and military reunion functions. She was a member of Fairhaven United Methodist Church. In her personal life, she passionately enjoyed photography, cooking, and traveling. Her pleasant personality will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends welcome Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-7 pm at WM. SLATER & SONS INC. (412-381-3345) 301 Virginia Ave., Mount Washington 15211 where the funeral service will be held Saturday at 7:00 pm. Entombment in Mount Lebanon Cemetery Mausoleum will be private to the family. www.slaterfuneral.com