FRIENDSHIP - On March 16, 2018, at 9:50 p.m., just a short time before her favorite day, Saint Patricks Day; a beautiful woman with many names — Eileen Margaret, Neen, Ne Ne and Neena, yet one heart — took her last breathe of life at the age of 68 after a long battle with COPD/Emphysema of the lungs.  She was surrounded by her loving children and lifelong companion at her home in Friendship, Maine.

Eileen Margaret Flanagan was known as a very kind, selfless, strong spirited, loving, and compassionate woman. 

Her life story began August 14, 1949, as she was born in Rockland, the seventh of nine children of James and Eileen Spinney Flanagan. Her sisters and brothers were very special to her and she loved and cared for them very much. And if you knew the Flanagans, including her nieces and nephews, you would know the love, care and fun they would have together, especially with her sisters Rose, Caroline, Mary, Kathy and her brother, Tim Flanagan. 

She was a 1967 graduate of Rockland District High School.  Shortly thereafter, she met her husband to be, Tom Shorey, and settled in Owls Head, where she birthed three beautiful children, Melissa Jennifer, Tara Lyn and Thomas Lee Shorey, Jr.

First a-stay-home mom for many years, she was later employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Knox Center for Long Term Care. There she developed her skills and passion caring for the elderly.  Eileen was later devoted to another passion as Activities Coordinator, where she worked with patients with Alzheimer’s.  She created a program called ‘Our Place’, a sanctuary for belonging.  She always went the extra mile supporting the elder’s wishes with deep caring.  Her love and beauty was remembered by many of the elders who lost a lot of their memory; somehow, they always remembered her.

Eileen was a member of Beta Sigma Phi ‘International Service of Woman Sorority’ for many years where their focus was community service efforts helping others in need. 

Later in life, Eileen’s passions turned to becoming a Hospice Nurse, where she took great pride in her natural gifts sharing her loving kindness, and big heart, often singing, offering prayers and a grounded presence as she helped others pass over to the other side. Additionally, she offered counsel and support to many grieving families as she helped them through difficult times. Eileen has always had a fascination with death and the other side, which is why she was so gifted to helping families in this sacred way. 

Eileen always made people feel special and wonderful and was always full of love and care and served as a confidant and counselor to many of her relatives and friends in the community.

She loved singing with her brother, James ‘Fingers’ Flanagan, and often lifted many people’s spirits with her singing voice.  Together they had a special bond and shared their gift to the community through their musical offerings and service. 

Her sisters say she was known for bringing the poor home to make sure they were fed and clothed. She would give everything away to others less fortunate then her all the way to the end of her life. 

Her favorite places in nature were Beauchamp Point in Rockport, Glen Cove Harbor and the local lighthouses, where she would seek peace, refuge and contemplation. 

Eileen’s passions was reading, expressive writing, cooking, especially making the best seafood chowders and best lasagnas.  She always made enough to share with other families.  She loved dancing and singing and encouraged open expression, as well as providing entertainment and gatherings for the family.  Eileen had a beautiful singing voice and was the keeper of many Irish songs.  She had a natural way of lighting up the room with her beautiful personality and smile with Coca Cola in hand.  

Her favorite time of day was upon rising with the sun having ‘Coffee Talks’ with her daughters, son, sisters and good friends. In addition, she loved her life companion Lloyd Gray, Sr., of Friendship. 

Besides both her parents, James and Eileen Flanagan, she joins the heavens with her brothers Bill and Dan Flanagan, sister Rose Marie, as well as many dear friends who have passed over. 

She is survived by her children, Melissa Jennifer Dean and husband Cappy Dean, of Warren; her middle daughter, Tara Lyn Flanagan Shorey, of San Francisco, California; and youngest son Thomas Lee Shorey Jr. and his partner, Heather Rahkonen, of Rockland. 

She was very much loved and she loved her beautiful grandchildren, who all called her ‘Neena’, Alanna Vose, of Biddeford; Nick Reed, of Friendship; Adrian, Jayden and Brayson Shorey, and Chloe and Reece, all of Rockland.

Life in Maine will never be the same without her and yet she will always live in all our hearts.  She is exactly where she dreamed of being, in peace up in the heavens flying with the Angels.  Many say Eileen was a living angel to many and she will be forever loved and missed!  She asks to please, ‘Do not cry for her too long, and that she is in a far better place resting in peace.’

Visiting hours will take place in her honor at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Tuesday, March 27, from 5-7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 150 Broadway, Rockland. 

Following the service family and friends are invited to join in fellowship at the Eclipse restaurant in Rockland, as we celebrate her life.  A burial service will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330.  

Eileen’s family would like to personally thank all the doctors, nurses and hospice staff that assisted in her health care throughout the many years.   

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.  To share a memory or condolence with the Eileen’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com.