Obituary: A nun who shared her happiness with everyone

The late Sr Ita Flynn

Sister Ita Flynn, SA, age 99, a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement from Graymoor, Garrison, New York, died peacefully at Lurana Healthcare Residence on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Sister Ita was born on March 31, 1925, in Mullaghmeen, Milltown, Belturbet, County Cavan, the youngest child of Mary (Fitzpatrick) and Edward Flynn. Sister Ita is predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Bernard and Hugh; her sisters, Rose Flynn, Bridie Donohoe, Margaret Flynn, Molly Flynn, and Eileen Charles.

After attending Milltown National School Sister Ita entered the convent on September 2, 1938, in Ireland. She professed her first Vows on June 28, 1944, and her Final Vows on August 27, 1949. As an Atonement missionary for over 80 years, Sister Ita had a variety of experiences. She taught kindergarten in Bakersfield, CA; she served in catechetical and pastoral ministry in Delano, CA; Dragerton, UT; and Douglas, GA. She was involved in retreat ministry at Our Lady’s Retreat House at Graymoor, as well as in Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, Ireland. She also ministered at the Guest House in Rome, Italy. Sister Ita spent over a decade in Goiana and Rio Verde, Brazil, where she learned to speak Portuguese so she could communicate with the children and families. When she was asked “What is your greatest joy as a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement?” She responded, “I enjoyed every bit of my 12 years in Brazil – working with the poor! Even learning Portuguese was a lot of fun! Visiting the poor, especially in the mission areas, on the dirt roads was challenging but it was fun, too! … It truly was a great joy!”

While she was in National School in Milltown she is remembered for taking part in Duchas School National Folklore Collection by UCD in the 1930s with the song - The Flower of Lovely Milltown. Sister Ita will be remembered for her love of music, her joyful spirit and her sense of humour. She once wrote, “All I know is that I always wanted to be a nun. I entered very young. I was the last of those who were accepted so young, but I knew above all and more than anything, that I wanted to be a nun. It’s always been a happy life and I hope I have shared that happiness with everyone.”

Her funeral service was held in the Motherhouse Chapel, St. Francis Convent, Graymoor, Garrison, New York on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Sincere sympathy to her nieces, nephews, family circle as well as the Sisters in her Community. May she rest in eternal peace.