Merrily Elizabeth Flanagan May 17, 1944 – May 25, 2023
Celebration of Life
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Merrily Elizabeth Flanagan.
Merrily Elizabeth Flanagan passed away on Thursday, May 25 surrounded by her loving family. Merrily was born Mary Elizabeth Milano to Rosetta and Michael Milano in Brooklyn, New York on May 17, 1944, while her father fought overseas in World War II. Merrily's childhood in post-war Hyde Park, New York, "Roosevelt Country," was filled with theater, student clubs, movie star magazines, chocolate bars and time with her beloved grandmother, artist Ria Barba. Her nonny imparted to her a love of art and antiques that would become the true north of her life.
Merrily's personality shined at Boston University where her calendar quickly filled up with dates. During her senior year, she met Officer Frank Flanagan, a student at the business school after four years of naval service. Their romance began quickly and lasted 58 years.
Frank's job at Atlantic Richfield Company took them from Dorchester, MA, Milford, CT, Guilford, CT, Yorktown Heights, NY and Woodland Hills, CA where they raised their three children, Daly, Frank and Susannah. Merrily's love of antiques compelled her to pursue her passion for buying and selling antiques and vintage jewelry, and to the founding of the Collector's Eye Jewelry, otherwise known as the "Greatest Jewelry Hunt in Los Angeles."
Retirement took Merrily and Frank to the Golden Hills of Bear Valley Springs where she continued to pursue her passion of designing unique and unforgettable pieces. Her imagination and creativity guided her all the days of her life.
Merrily is survived by her husband, Frank; her daughter, Daly Flanagan, and husband Nils Walter of Garrison, New York; her son, Francis Flanagan of Bear Valley Springs; daughter, Susannah Auby, and husband Jase Auby of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Holly, Sean, Walter, Calvin, Olive, and Juliet; sister-in-law, Karen Milano; and brother, Mark Milano, and his wife Jessie Milano of Stallion Springs, California. She is predeceased by her brother, Dr. Michael Milano.
Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with her care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net.
