Kathryn Flannery

Kathryn Banks Flannery, 73, of Sheboygan died peacefully in her own bed after a long struggle with many health problems.

Kathy was born in New London, Connecticut in 1945 to Clinton and Ruth (McMillan) Banks where her dad was stationed with the submarine service. She also lived in Long Beach, California, and Lexington, Nebraska, eventually graduating from high school in Clinton, New York in 1962. After much night school in many places Kathy received her BA from

Trinity College in Winooski, Vermont. Kathy's parents are buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

She is survived by Dick, her husband and companion of more than 50 years and by their two children: Ruth and her husband Jon Jordan of Milwaukee and Peter and his wife Paula of Clifton Park, New York. She is further survived by a sister in law Marie and her husband Darrell and Dick's two brothers Michael and Brian.

Kathy's passion was working with young people. She started as a high schooler joining Quaker programs in Harlem in the late '50's. She worked in a high school art room for many years and also served as a forensics coach for North High School in Sheboygan, winning Wisconsin's Hintz Award for forensic coaching in 2000. Her greatest joy was working with 5th and 6th graders in St. Alban's Vermont and at St. Dominic's school in Sheboygan.

Poor health forced Kathy out of the things she loved far too early. As Kathy became more and more disabled she treated the people helping her with grace, affection, and love. She continued to be cheerful in the face of her situation and showed great determination to continue her life as a loving wife and mother and part of the community.

Her family would like to thank the caregivers of Embrace Care for their devotion to Kathy and their many kindnesses during her final years, and we thank the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice workers for their help during this last, difficult month.

Kathy was a cheerful person with a ready smile and a kiss for good-bye. She lived her life and managed her hardships with steadfast character. She made the world a more beautiful place.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. with an informal remembrance at 2:30 p.m. at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Ave., Sheboygan.

A memorial fund has been established in her name.

The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Kathy's arrangements.