Mae Flynn

Peacefully on Monday, January 2, Mae Flynn transitioned to eternal life. She had a strong, enduring faith in God that carried her and lightened her burden over her 94 years. Mae was an impressive lady, whose universal kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and love of animals were well known among those who knew her.

Mae felt strongly about certain things and was happy to tell you, but in a nice way. She was a fierce advocate for causes she supported, among them animal rights, freedom and fair treatment for all, and environmental issues. For enjoyment Mae dove into mystery novels and crossword puzzles, attended concerts and plays, bowled in leagues, traveled widely (France, Spain, Luxembourg, Israel, and all corners of the USA, and volunteered for many organizations, such as Becky's House, Meals on Wheels, and the Regional Food Pantry. She was a long-standing Mets fan and having played basketball in school, she rooted for the Golden State Warriors.

Mae was a long-term active member of Pine Grove Methodist Church, where she helped with community dinners, charitable events, and served on leadership councils. Many close friendships developed with members of her PGUMC family. They were a source of great comfort and support over the past year.

Mae was a true patriot, believing that we all must fulfill our civic duty. She was an Army Korean War-era veteran, who rose to the rank of Corporal while serving in Texas, California, and Colorado as a Medical Technician. She was proud to have served and had many interesting stories from those years.

For most of her life Mae worked for the NYS Department of Health, retiring in 1995. She was hired in the late 50's to work in the newly created Physically Handicapped Children's Program. The medical knowledge gained in the Army, coupled with her own childhood experience recovering from Polio provided the insight Mae needed to influence that program's growth over her 30+ year tenure with them. To this day, Mae has stayed in touch with people she interacted with across the state during her DOH days.

Two things of greatest importance to Mae were the people in her life and her two furry companions. For Mae there was no distinction between family and friends, she loved both equally. Her devotion was clear; no matter what was needed, she was there to help however she could. She was profoundly thankful for what others gave to her, be it a smiled greeting, a gift of time, or just shared experiences.

Mae was born in Cambridge, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Katherine Golfin (Ray) of Shaftsbury, VT, and Roy Reagan of Hoosick, NY; her grandparents, Bessie and Charles Freemyre, who raised her and her sister Betty; her two sisters, Betty Bigelow Ryan of Winter Park, FL; and Marion Coonradt of Chatham, NY; and her former husband, Mike Flynn, and former companion, Stanley Rowe.

Surviving Mae are her beloved siblings, Eleanor Tracy of White Creek, NY, Caroline Bornt of Hoosick Falls, NY, and George Reagan of Bennington, devoted friends, Kevin Cross, Ed Koch, and Linda Koenigsreuter, plus many other friends and family members too numerous to name.

Mae will be especially missed by her cherished nieces, Deborah Bigelow-Saulsbery (Bruce), Yvonne Super and nephew, Allen Bigelow, who loved her deeply and provided care and support over the years. Visiting hours will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00pm with a memorial service to immediately follow at 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a Veterans organization, the Humane Society, or other group doing good work for those in need. Online condolences may be expressed at www.NewComerAlbany.com