FLANAGAN, Grace Elsie

August 26, 1929 — May 21, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Grace Elsie Flanagan, who passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, after a long and full life, spanning 96 years.

Grace was born in Doncaster, England, on August 26, 1929, and lived a remarkable life filled with determination, creativity, hard work, and love for her family and community.

Grace was predeceased by her parents, Rose Helen and James Butler; her brothers, Bill (Mary) Butler, Peter (Edna) Butler, and Don (Eileen) Butler; her sister, Beryl (Sonny) Cotton; her beloved husband, Thomas Edward Flanagan; her daughter, Sandra MacNaughton Thomson; and her grandson, Eric Flanagan.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Anthony (Carol) Flanagan, Shaun (Jan) Flanagan, and Edwina Flanagan (Gord), along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Grace was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, Nanna, Great-Nanna, and Great-Great-Nanna.

Grace often shared stories of her childhood in England—time spent with siblings and friends, games played, mischief made, and adventures taken. “Harmless fun,” she called it. As a teenager, Grace was athletic, competitive, and excelled in sports, including field hockey, track and field, and her favourite, gymnastics. She was also exceptionally creative and became a talented seamstress in dressmaking and design, a skill she later shared with and encouraged in her daughters.

When Grace had an idea, she made it happen. She was determined, feisty, hardworking, and perhaps a little stubborn.

Local dances and socials were the highlight of her week, and it was on a dance floor that she met her future husband, Tommy. Together, they raised their family, built a successful business, and renovated many homes. Their final renovation, the Tudor School House, became the home they cherished most.

Grace’s incredible work ethic created many opportunities throughout her life. She proudly owned and operated a village gas station and corner store for many years. While she never played soccer herself, she lived and breathed the game as a devoted soccer mum, attending every practice and every match while faithfully supporting her local team.

After retiring, Grace made the journey from England to Canada to be closer to her children and family. Retirement, however, did not last long. Settling in Kelowna, she joined her daughters at Bespoke Draperies Ltd., helping create beautiful draperies and soft furnishings. Grace embraced her new community and became actively involved in volunteer work, particularly with local care homes. She enjoyed helping others, meeting new people, and forming lasting friendships.

Gardening was one of her greatest passions. She created beautiful flower gardens complete with fish ponds and waterscapes. The fruits and vegetables she grew found their way into her baking and preserves, which she generously shared with family, friends, and neighbours.

Later, after moving to Winfield, Grace became a member of the Winfield Lioness Club, where she continued her volunteer work and found friendship among an amazing group of women.

Back in Kelowna, Grace created her final home and garden, where she remained until her 95th year. She then moved to David Lloyd Jones Home, where she was welcomed as family and cared for with kindness, compassion, and dignity by the wonderful staff.

Her family is deeply grateful to everyone at David Lloyd Jones Home for the exceptional care and support they provided to Grace.

In keeping with Grace’s wishes, there will be no formal service.

Please say goodbye and celebrate Grace in your own way, remembering an amazing lady whose determination, generosity, and love touched so many lives.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.