Joyce I. Flanagan

Joyce Ida Flanagan, 88, of Shrewsbury, New Jersey, and Chatham, Massachusetts, passed away on June 9, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Highlands, New Jersey, to the late Thure and Frances (Card) Carlstrom.

She met her husband, Robert Flanagan, in 1949, while he and his father were visiting Highlands from New York City on a fishing trip. When Robert first spotted Joyce on the front porch of the Carlstrom family home, it was love at first sight. The couple wed on June 25, 1950 and celebrate 70 years of marriage this year. Joyce, who was naturally nurturing and warm, found great joy in her roles as mother and grandmother. Over the course of her life, she created two beautiful, welcoming homes that served as havens for family and friends. She had a talent for making gatherings special, and considered her time preparing for celebrations a “labor of love.” As the family matriarch, Joyce fostered many traditions that will be passed down for generations. Her loved ones will also remember her adventurous spirit, which fueled her travels around the globe with her husband, as well as her steadfast faith. 

Joyce is predeceased by her brothers, Karl and Albert Carlstrom. Surviving are her husband, Robert; her sons: Robert Flanagan, Jr. and his wife Diane, Stephen Flanagan and his wife Leesa, and Kevin Flanagan and his wife Erin; her grandchildren: Robert Flanagan III and his wife Marla, Matthew Flanagan, Kristen Flanagan and her husband David Kasper M.D., Megan Lee and her husband David, Tara Flanagan, Katherine Flanagan, and Patrick Flanagan; her great grandchildren: Robert Flanagan IV, Parker Flanagan, and Emma Lee; and her siblings: Andrew Carlstrom, Frances Dorsch, Kay Romeo, and Linda Beach. 

Due to the current pandemic, all funeral arrangements are private at this time. A private service for the family will be held at John E. Day Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org. We encourage you to visit Joyce’s memorial website to celebrate her life and share personal memories at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
 

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