Memorial
Margaret Louise Flynn, 82, died peacefully at home on March 18, 2025, after a long illness. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday March 24, 2025, at St. Matthew Catholic Church with burial to follow at Cedar Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, preceded by a Rosary at 3:30 p.m.
Margaret was born at Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Marjorie L. Flynn and James R. Flynn II, M.D. She attended St. Matthew Grade School, Mount Mercy Academy and Regis High School. She went on to study at Marquette University, Milwaukee and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Home Economics.
Her interest in world travel led her to the travel business. She began her career with the Jean Ashby Travel agency which became American Travel and Tour, located in the Roosevelt Hotel, under her ownership and management. She wanted her clients to have great travel experiences, and her service didn’t end with their departure. She would track weather and political conditions in the countries of travel and if trouble developed would make alternate arrangements.
Margaret was a lifelong member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and was an active member there. Among her activities were: serving on the St. Vincent de Paul Committee, coordinating the St. Matthew Prayer Chain, cleaning the Holy Water fonts weekly, attending Eucharistic Adoration and participating in Small Faith Sharing Groups for 30 years.
In her younger years Margaret (known as Weazy or Weaz to her family and school friends) was quite athletic and would try almost anything: diving, dancing, golf, bowling and tennis.
Margaret was a caring and compassionate person who had a genuine respect and concern for people. She was curious and interested in everything and had a great sense of humor. She always had determination and persistence coupled with a strong sense of right and wrong and the courage to make it known when something was not right.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters-in-law Sharlene (Jim) Flynn, and Jan (Don) Flynn and her niece Cari Flynn.
She is survived by her brothers James R. Flynn III, M.D. of Cedar Rapids, Donald E. Flynn Fort Myers, FL and William J. Flynn (Linda) of Littleton, CO and her sister Helen E. Flynn of Cedar Rapids. Nieces and nephews: James (Kyle) Flynn, Kelly Michael Flynn, Sean (Andrea) Flynn, Ann (Chuck) Hammond, Mike (Laura) Flynn, Patty (Mike) Noel, 19 great nieces and nephews and 6 great-great nieces and nephews (plus one on the way!).
Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Cedar Rapids Council (Ozanan Fund), St. Matthew Church, Mercy Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice.