Shirleyann "Shirley" Flaherty - Obituary

hirleyann “Shirley” Flaherty, 89, a former resident of Bowie, Maryland, died on Saturday, August 8, at Rutherford Manor in Davidsonville, Maryland. Born on December 10, 1936, in Washington, DC, Shirley was a graduate of Montgomery Blair High School and the St. Joseph's School of Nursing. She devoted her career to caring for others, working as a nurse at Providence Hospital, Anne Arundel Medical Center, and Bowie State University. Anyone who knew Shirley knew her easygoing, laid-back nature – she met life with a ready smile and an infectious laugh. She loved hosting her loved ones for holidays and birthdays, where her good humor was always the heart of the gathering. A gifted crafter, she poured that same affection into her sewing and quilting, creating handmade keepsakes for the family members she cherished. Shirley was a devoted and lifelong Washington Redskins fan, cheering on her team through every season, and she also followed the SMU Mustangs football team. She was an active member of her community as part of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Bowie, the Bowie Elks Women's Auxiliary, and the Bowie Nurse's Organization. She also enjoyed bowling and participated in numerous leagues. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, E. Paul Flaherty, in 1984. She is survived by her three children, Colleen Lehmann (Jeff) of Bowie, Maryland, E. Kenneth Flaherty (Gayle) of Davidsonville, Maryland and Timothy Flaherty (Donna) of Edgewater, Maryland, and her six grandchildren, Tiffany Helfer (Mike), Janeen Lehmann, Shannon Flaherty, E. Spencer Flaherty (Annie), Jake Flaherty, and Carah Flaherty. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Shirley's life on Wednesday, September 9 from 11 to 11:30 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 14720 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD, where Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am. Interment to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery Cheltenham at 2:30 pm. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.