Obituary of Sarah "Iola" Flanagan

FLANAGAN: Iola. We are saddened to announce the death of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Sarah Iola Flanagan at her residence, Rideau Park Personal Care Home on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the age of 102. Iola was born on May 11, 1915 to Sarah and William Harrison in Graysville, Manitoba. She attended Graysville School, graduating at a very young age. As a young girl growing up in the rural community, Iola thrived in her involvement with CGIT, debating club, acting, 4H and Young People's Union. In 1937, she married Clarence Landles of Roseisle where they farmed and raised three daughters, Gail, Marilyn and Diane. In 1955, the family moved to Elgin, Manitoba where they continued farming until 1976, and retired to Brandon at that time. They continued travelling to their winter home in Mesa, Arizona until Dad's death in 1984. Mum continued to winter in Arizona until 1994. Mum met Claude Flanagan while on vacation in the British Isles and they were married in 1988. Mum was always very involved in community activities and organizations in Roseisle and Elgin. She belonged and held offices in the W.I., Ladies Aid and UCW. She also taught Sunday School and was a 4H leader. She especially enjoyed her membership in the Elgin Countess Rebecca Lodge. Her knitting, sewing and needle point skills have left many mementos for family and friends. She was very interested in politics and history, both local and world. Included in Mum's travels were Europe; Hawaii; the British Isles as well as bus trips to eastern Canada and U.S. Mum was predeceased by her parents; husband Clarence Landles; husband Claude Flanagan; sisters: Eileen Johnson and Wilma Gray; brothers: Frank; Roy; Ronald and Harvey as well as three sons-in-law: Jim Baptie; Jim Brooks and Craig Clearwater. She is survived by her daughters: Gail Sanderson (Ed); Marilyn Brooks and Diane Nixon (John). Also surviving are five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren — Bill Baptie (Charlotte); Samantha and Sarah, Tom Baptie (Ooy); Karen Nicholls (Danny); Quinn (Brett); Cole and Seth; Scott Brooks (Carol); Katya and Corrie Clearwater (Mike); Andy and Maggie. In accordance with Mum's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private burial will be at a later date. We would like to thank the nursing staff at Rideau Park and Dr. Egan for the kind and compassionate care they gave our mother. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society, 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5 or the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 — 17th Street East, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6.