Reidin Elizabeth O'Flynn

Reídín Elizabeth O’Flynn, age 71, of Palenville, New York, formerly of Ballyhea in County Cork, Ireland passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband Daniel Sullivan; her two sons and daughters-in-law (George Russell and his wife Trish, Tadgh Óg Russell and his wife Corbette); her daughter and son-in- law (Shireen Powers and husband Tim); her two stepsons (Dan Óg Sullivan and wife Lisa, Kyle Sullivan); her five grandchildren (Peyton, Ryan, Lucas and Caoimhe Russell, and Braydon Sullivan); her brothers (Donal, Diarmuid, Con, Paddy) and sisters (Katsy, Gráinne and Deirdre) along with their respective spouses; her former spouse Tadhg Russell and his family; and her many and much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Reídín was born in Newmarket, County Cork, Ireland to the late Donal O’Flynn and Sheila O’Leary. She is predeceased by her two brothers Jack and Tadhg O’Flynn and grandson Tristan Russell. Reídín was educated at Ballyhea NS and at the Convent of Mercy in Charleville, before emigrating to London in 1969, spending a couple of enjoyable years there before returning to Ballyhea. There she met and married Tadhg Russell, and there also their three children were born. In 1982, as recession hit Ireland, the family emigrated to America, where Reídín eventually settled and would spend the rest of her life. Initially she lived on Long Island, in the North Shore area of Nassau County, where she started her own successful business. Just a few years later, in the mid 80s, the family moved upstate to Greenville, in the Catskill Mountain area, which so reminded her of her native Ballyhea and the Ballyhoura mountains. There Reídín established a new business, caring for Alzheimer’s patients in her own home. With her warm and kindly soul she did this for over 20 years, becoming friends not just with the patients but with their extended families. Never one to stop learning, and always a great lover of Irish music and culture, she got involved with the Catskill Irish Arts Week in East Durham, eventually becoming its Artistic Director, also serving on the Board of Directors for the Michael J Quill Cultural Center. This would become her great passion and over the last decade East Durham would become almost her second home as she volunteered huge chunks of her time, mentoring and promoting budding musicians, songwriters and poets. She was particularly keen on growing the children’s ‘Tír Na nÓg’ program and started ‘The Celtic Lambs’, to ensure that all the various Irish traditions are passed on through the generations. It was around this time also that Reídín began to hone her writing skills as a regular contributor to the Irish Music Magazine where, with Danny as her photographer, she loved to compose stories of Irish/American talents of all ages. There was so much life to Reídín, so much joy, so much wit, so much humour, the life and soul of every gathering, family gatherings especially, which is why her premature and unexpected passing has shaken us all so much. Along with her love of family, of fun, of music and craic, she was an avid reader and adventurer. She loved to travel, to constantly meet new people, to hike and bike (briefly dabbled with Harleys, fourwheelers and snowmobiles, many times with hilarious consequences!), and the occasional boat trip on the Hudson. Reídín was also a singer/songwriter and musician in her own right; guitar in hand, many were the memorable sessions she led, and with her vast reservoir of songs, often those sessions would last into the wee hours. With her daughter Shireen, of whom she was so proud (not that she wasn’t equally proud of her ‘two fine sons’ as she termed Georgie and Tadhg Óg in The Age Song, one of her finest compositions!), Reídín made an album of Irish/World music, titled “Tiger’s Island”, released in 2003 as Shirae. That musical duet enjoyed many years of performing and creating music together, a drop of Jameson always close to hand. Finally, there was Reídín’s great hospitality. Always, her door was open, the welcome warm and heartfelt, and the needs of others put before her own. For all those who were lucky enough to have met her, you knew you found an instant friend for life. A spiritual woman all her life, with a special devotion to Our Lady, she received great comfort in her final days with a visit from the local priest, in the company of those closest to her. Gratefully, the immediate family would like to express our sincere thank you for the wonderful care and support given by all the doctors and nurses of Northern Dutchess Hospital and specifically the Hospice care she received there from Shannon and Mara. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family beginning at 9:30 AM on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Church in 710 Route 32A, Palenville, New York for the Memorial Gathering. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM followed by the burial at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Ashland, NY. Reception will immediately follow. ** UPDATED** For those abroad, there will be a Mass on December 10, 2022 at St. Mary's Church, Ballyhea, P56D990 Co Cork,. Ireland, at 10:00 A.M. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc. 29 Bross Street, Cairo, New York, 12413. Reídín’s most important message was to be a giver and to give from the heart. In lieu of flowers, and if desired, memorial contributions can be made to the local food bank Community Action of Greene County, Inc at https://cagcny.org/. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

Reidin Elizabeth O'Flynn

February 25, 1951 - November 20, 2022