Mrs. Flatley was born January 24th, 1869, the daughter of the Peter and Anna Plain, early pioneers of the town of Stiles. She was the first little girl to board and attend St. Joseph's convent school in Oconto. Her marriage to Mr. Flatley, also a member of a pioneer family took place in Milwaukee June 1897 and the couple resided here ever since. Mr. Flatley conducted a furniture and funeral service, and he was assisted his wife. After his death April 4, 1939, she carried on the business with her son and daughter. 'The Flatley's also managed the local branch of the Wisconsin Telephone Company, and Mrs. Flatley war chief operator for many years.
Survivors include her son Gregory, who is postmaster of Oconto Falls, a daughter, Sadie, Mrs. M. A. Becker, who is a graduate funeral director and embalmer, five grand daughters, Maureen, Colette, Patricia and Virginia Flatley and Margaret Ann Becker, two sisters, Mrs. S. B. Sanderson Of Menominee, and Mrs., M. E. Young of Chicago.
Mrs. Flatley's interest and particapation in the, entertainment last week was most indicative of her character. She was interested and took an active part in every community project, and her membership was always an active one.
Charter memberships and holding of office of president marked her affiliation with the Christian Mother's Society of Anthony's Church, the Royal Neighbor lodge (made up of pioneer women of the county), the Maccabees, and in this organization she was a captain of the drill team, the American Legion Auxilliary, the Library Board and the Woman's Club. During the years of the depression, she did outstanding work for the Auxillary by having Community birthday parties, and aIso during this period she was a counselor of the Junior and Senior Catholic Youth Organizations. Her Club activities included offices in the district and state federations. She was faithful in her attendance at meetings of the Catholic Diocese for Women. One of her yearly services to the Legion and Auxiliary was to the memorial service at the river and to make the poppy decked anchor, which was floated on the water in mermory of the men who died at sea.
In the past few, years Mrs. Flatley's keenest interest and hobby was the Oconto County Histotcal Society, and the County Museum. She was recently re-elected as director of the Society and was busilly enaged in the compilation of county history, and also her church at the time of her death.
Herself an excellent actress, she loved to direct plays and her productions were always outstanding and out of the amateur class, with hand painted scenery and authentic costumes. Two plays in particular will always be remembered, "The Soul of Ann Rutledge", and a Passion Play given at Easter Time about ten years ago.
The entertainment in which she participated last Thursday evening was repeated on Friday evening, with her role left vacant. Tribute was paid to her at that time, and she was also named a Good "Good Neighbor" and a bouquet of American Beauty Roses sent to her.
Mrs. Flatley was deeply interested in Wisconsin's Centennial year, and had many plans. She wanted to take her granddaughters to the Centennial program at Lena on Friday afternoon, in fact she had her whole year planned. The American Legion Auxiliary held their memorial service at the funeral chapel Monday evening. Tribute was paid Mrs. Flatley by Mrs. Frank Plain, president, and prayer given by Mrs. Albert Gauthier, chaplain, with a special musical selection by Mrs. Harry Rusch and Mrs. Marvin Wolfe.
The masses of floral and spiritual bouquets, the many friends from
far and near who came to honor her, who, though dead, shall live in the
memory of the commuity for generations, paid highest tribute to a noble
soul whose friendliness and charity were preminent among her many good
qualities. The bereaved farmily is not alone for all who knew her will
miss her.
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