Anne "Annie" M. Flynn

After a full and vibrant life, Anne M. Flynn, 86, of Blackstone, MA passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 28, 1938, in Harrisville, RI, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Georgette (Thereault) Flynn.

Anyone who knew Annie knew her love had no bounds. Her life was dedicated to nurturing of family, friendships and the world at large. She took pride in her career of over 20 years with the Homestead Group (formerly known as Arc of Northern Rhode Island) supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, but her life’s most meaningful work was being the vital and spirited centerpiece of her tremendous family. “Making memories” was her mission, and we are lucky to be left with so many. She was known to stay up into the wee hours of the morning to see the nail-biting game endings of her favorite teams (Go Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots!). Her passion for politics was intense (to say the least), she could beat anyone in a game of cribbage or Scrabble, and in quiet moments she was happy to simply watch the birds. But her greatest joy of all was being surrounded by the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Linda Barnes and her husband Scott, Sandra Deryck and her fiancé Mitchell Rosenwald, Michael Deryck and his wife Yolande, Richard Deryck and his wife Barbara Desautels, Pamela Deryck-Mahlke and her husband Jason. Also, her grandchildren, Elizabeth Koah and her husband David, Matthew Deryck and his wife Caitlin, Riley and Leo Mahlke, Keith Desautels and his wife Jennifer Francis and Holly Desautels and her fiancé Jackie Kalafut. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Flynn and Mackenzie Deryck, Etosha, Julian and Neria Koah, Phillip and Lillian Desautels, and her unborn great-grandchild due in June.

Anne was predeceased by her siblings, Raymond and Kathleen Flynn, the father of her children, Rene Deryck, and her son-in-law, Jim Moorhead.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Keene-Brown Funeral Home, 445 Greenville Rd., North Smithfield, RI.

Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday,4/23/2025 from 10 to 12 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon. Burial will follow in St. Jean the Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham, MA.

In lieu of flowers, Annie would like donations to Operation Smile or World Central Kitchen.

Annie brought smiles to hundreds of children’s faces in her lifetime and fed many a hungry child through World Central Kitchen. May her legacy of generosity live on through us all.

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