Helen Marie (Flynn) Flaherty, affectionately known to her family and close friends as "Grandma Helen", passed in Cape Coral, Florida on January 7, 2025, at the age of 101. She was born to William Peter Flynn and Mae Regina (Ryan) Flynn on May 31, 1923, in Slater, Missouri.

Helen grew up in Slater and stayed there through her high school years subsequently moving to Kansas City where she met the love of her life, Robert "Emmet" Flaherty. Emmet had recently returned stateside from serving as a Marine in the Pacific theater during WWII, joining several of his siblings who were living there. Helen and Emmet exchanged wedding vows in Kansas City on Saturday, May 1, 1954, at St. James Catholic Church followed by a reception at the renowned Hotel President.

Helen loved tennis when she was young and played often during her time in Slater. In Kansas City she worked as a secretary after seeking professional training for that profession.  After their wedding, she and Emmet lived in Toronto, Ontario where they made many lifelong friends, prior to moving to Florida, living on both coasts. Regardless of where they were residing, Helen looked forward to returning home to Slater where she stayed close with many family members and friends very late in her life. She also appreciated her Irish heritage – on both sides of her and Emmet's family – and the traditions passed down to them over the years. In Florida, Helen applied her secretarial skills in the medical field. Coincidentally, following Emmet's death, Helen volunteered at the Cape Coral Hospital Thrift Shop. She worked the cash register there for over 30 years, thriving on the social aspect of her role and making many friends. Not surprisingly, after 25 years residing at Cape Regatta in Cape Coral, she was fondly regarded as the "Grand Matron" of the community.  She was a devout Catholic throughout her life and always took solace in the word of the Lord.

Helen and Emmet had three children together; Brian Flaherty (Kitty), Maureen Flaherty, and Sheila Flaherty, all of whom survive her. Helen was also blessed with three grandchildren Seamus O'Dunn (Amber), Meghan Flaherty Younger (David) and Clara Flaherty and, most recently, with a great grandson, Ronan Younger. She is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews from her and Emmet's side of the family, many of whom stayed close to her over the years and unfailingly helped her celebrate special occasions.

As Helen herself was fond of saying, she never met a stranger. Helen's huge yet humble heart brought joy to all who knew her and we miss her terribly.  Her Missouri drawl was as apparent as her authenticity.  She always welcomed everyone to her home wherever she lived, cooking and sharing her special love for life with all who visited her.  We take solace knowing she is finding peace and joy in joining Emmet, her brothers, and her mother and father, as God welcomes her home.

In addition to Emmet, Helen was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Flynn, William Flynn and William's twin brother Walter, who died shortly after birth.

A eulogy service and Celebration of Life for Helen will be held from 2:30PM-4:30PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society, 4320 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers Florida 33966.

Additionally, a Visitation will be held from 10-11:00AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, followed by 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slater, MO, with Fr. Francis Doyle officiating.  Burial will be in Slater City Cemetery where Helen will be interred alongside her beloved Emmet.

Flowers, condolences or discretionary donations can be made at the websites of either Baldwin Brother Funeral & Cremation Society, Fort Myers, Florida, or at Weiker Funeral Home in Slater, Missouri. Helen supported the American Heart Association, so in her memory, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association in care of Weiker Funeral Home in Slater, MO.

Helen's children would like to thank the remarkable and dedicated team members at Choices in Living in Cape Coral, where she made many friends in recent months; at Hope Hospice House in Cape Coral, where she spent her final days peacefully and comfortably; and at Gulf Coast Medical Center and Health Park Medical Center (both in Fort Myers), where the teams worked valiantly and tirelessly to help Helen recover from her ailments during the final weeks of her life.