Hazel Mae Flanagan's Obituary
Hazel Mae Flanagan, 90, of Frederick, Maryland passed away peacefully on August 3rd, 2026 surrounded by her family. She put up an incredible fight after a short, sudden illness. She was born July 24, 1936 in Dykes, Kentucky, the daughter of Oscar Lee Wright and Mayme Orpha Rogers.
Hazel, known to many and most as “Mema”, lived a life rooted in family, loyalty, and the simple joys that made every day meaningful. She was the heart of her family, the one who insisted on gathering everyone together, no matter how busy life became. Holidays, birthdays, and celebrations were never complete without her laughter, a good story or two, and her insistence that family stay close.
Her greatest joy was watching her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren grow- celebrating milestones, cheering every success, and offering steady encouragement through every challenge. To them, she was a constant source of comfort, pride, and unconditional love.
Hazel had a remarkable green thumb and could coax life out of any plant she touched. Her home was always filled with thriving flowers, plants, and the kind of beauty that only comes from patient, tender care. She also had a lifelong love of antiques. She believed objects held memories, and she delighted in sharing those stories with anyone willing to listen.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Jonathan “J.B.” Flanagan of Frederick, MD, daughter Yvette Gilbert (Michael) of Milton, DE. Granddaughters Geneva Flanagan, Hannah Haberman (Casey), Rachel Lee (Andrew) of Frederick, MD, Sarah Gilbert of South Portland, ME, and a grandson Patrick Day (Sandy) of Hagerstown, MD. Great-grandchildren Triston Dorfman, Jack and Campbell Dale, Grayson and Calvin Lee, Charlotte Firsing, and Kolten Coleman.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, Oscar Lee Wright and Mayme Orpha (Rogers) Howell. Brothers Donald (Priscilla), Verne (Ruth), Luther “L.V.” (Carol Ann), and Ronald (Reba) Wright, sister Deletha Wright, and her daughter Frances Flanagan.
We would like to thank the incredible and compassionate care received by her medical team at Walter Reed Hospital, Lorien Health & Rehab Mt. Airy, and Frederick Health Hospital.
A service will be held locally at Resthaven Funeral Home on August 15, 2026 at 2pm.
A funeral service will be held on September 4, 2026 around 9:00am at Pulaski Funeral Home. Following the service, a motorcade will proceed to Mill Springs National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. Family and friends are then invited to gather for a meal at Pleasant Valley Church to celebrate her life.
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