Elaine Millicent Flaherty
January 9, 1920 ~ February 24, 2013
SOUTH PORTLAND - Elaine Millicent Flaherty, 93, formerly of South Portland, died Sunday February 24, 2013 at Falmouth by the Sea surrounded by her family. She was born on January 9, 1920 in Hollis a daughter of Laurence A. and Mildred Johnson Sawyer. Elaine was salutatorian and a 1937 graduate of Samuel D. Hansen High School in Buxton. On October 14, 1941 she married Thomas S. Flaherty at St. Dominic's Church. Over the next 10 years she gave birth to seven children. In 1973 Elaine became a licensed real estate broker. She worked for Harden Reality for 13 years and was the first women in the agency to reach million dollar mark in sales. She later worked part time for Joseph C. Flaherty Insurance Agency for 14 years. Elaine was extremely proud of her family and felt her greatest accomplishments were a happy marriage and 7 devoted children. She was a former member of the St. Dominic's Mothers Club; she sang in the Bishops Choir and had served as the secretary of the Portland Elks Lodge Emblem Club for many years. Elaine was a communicant of Holy Cross Church. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Thomas S. Flaherty, Sr. in 1991; a son, Timothy F. Flaherty on Jan. 20, 2013; a sister June L. Ross; three brothers, Ronald M. Sawyer, Ruel W. Sawyer, Dean L. Sawyer. Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Elaine Flaherty of South Portland, Kathleen June Smith and husband Donald of Old Orchard Beach; four sons, Thomas S. Flaherty, Jr. and wife Nancy of Falmouth, Peter L. Flaherty and wife Jayne of Old Orchard Beach, Paul C. Flaherty and wife Sandra of Westbrook, John C Flaherty and Michael R. Poulin of South Portland; a daughter-in-law, Kathleen Flaherty of Falmouth; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express its heart-felt gratitude to the staff at Falmouth By The Sea for the wonderful care that they gave to our mother. Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m. on Friday followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Roads, South Portland. Spring burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Road, Casco, Maine 04015.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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John,Cathy and family I was so sorry to hear about your mother she was such a sweet lady and will surly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
– Denise Meehan Davis
Elaine was one of the most loving, caring, devoted-to-family persons I have been gifted to know in life. Thank you to her seven children, Patti, Tommy, Timmy (may he rest in peace), Peter, Paul, Cathy, and John for sharing her with the rest of us. She had such loving arms…love. P Easter Weekend 2013
– Patricia "Patti" Ridge Pacillo
Love you Nannie. As Tommy said, you were the nicest, sweetest, kindest… as all others who met you would agree. Not a bad bone in your body. Think of us in your travels through Paradise!
– Andrew Flaherty "Johnny’s son"
You were one the nicest, sweetest, kindest people I have ever known. I love you Nannie and always will. Tommy III
– Thomas Flaherty III
My condolences to Elaine’s family on what I am sure is a painful loss for all of you. During her time at Falmouth by the Sea, she was one of the residents I most enjoyed visiting on Tuesday mornings with my therapy dog. She was fun to talk with, and I’ll always remember her as smiling – a wonderful example of aging gracefully.
– Susan Roscoe
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Sure have missed you guys over the years.
– Barbara (Pearson) Wilson
Elaine was a beautiful person through and through. She will be sadly missed by the residents and staff at Falmouth By The Sea.
– Falmouth By The Sea
John and Mike – Sending out heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and yours in your time of loss. May God bless you with peace, may the love of family and friends bring you comfort and may happy memories bring a smile to your face.
– Pat Bruce
I am so saddened by your moms passing. I knew her quite well as she was a good friend of my mother, Betty Conley. Went to school with Timmy and also saddened to read of his passing. St. Dominic’s students and parishioners were a ver close group. I miss the many friends I knew back then, Patty, Timmy, Peter Paul. My mom and yours were very much alike; Betty had 8 children and you mom 7. They don’t make women like our mothers any more…they were unique! My sincere sympathies to you all!
– Nancy Conley Murdoch