I grew up in Detroit, MI, attended Michigan State University, and moved to Chicago to start my adult life. I worked hard, learned my trade, and became a buyer at 25. I met my future husband in 1976, we married in 1977, he contracted cancer, and passed away in 1978. I was a 28-year-old widow.
The glittery night life no longer appealed to me, so I searched for a new job and found Jacobson’s in Florida. I moved in December of 1978.
I was raised Lutheran but had been away from the church for a long time. My parents weren’t believers, but my grandma was. She took me to Vacation Bible school as soon as I was old enough. My first day she asked what I learned, and I replied, I was to spread the gossip! She remembered that her whole life. Then I met George Flynn. He was a non-practicing catholic and we decided it was time for him to go back and I became a catholic to be married in the church in 1984.
I loved being a part of the church and volunteered often. We loved our priest, John Bluett. I married into a family, my mother-in-law was handicapped, and her son Harry was mentally challenged. We cared for both, and Harry moved in with us when she passed away. We were now a family of 3. We moved to Michigan for my job (Headquarters) and to be closer to my family.
We moved back to Florida, this time to New Smyrna Beach. I tried local churches, one day Harry, George’s brother, came to St Peter the Fisherman. Harry said “My name is Harry”, and the rest is history. The pastor remembered his name. We found a home where we felt loved.
I love this parish and enjoy being on the vestry. I am a decision maker, a hard worker, and always finish my task. I know that God is with me, has been my whole life, and I believe he is moving me in this direction. As a Daughter I am called to serve Christ through prayer, service and sharing God’s Love.