Lynda Flanagan

Lynda M. Flanagan, nee Zralka, age 77 of Orland Park, beloved wife of 53 years to the late Francis M. “Frank” Flanagan, Jr. (2021) passed away February 11, 2025. Loving mother of Kelly (Kenneth “Kent”) Oliven and Jennifer Gallagher. Cherished grandma of Natalie, Ethan, Evan, and Madeline. Dear sister of Carole (Bryant) Rusnak, the late Cecilia (Dan) Kumarich and the late Pauline (John dec.) Plys. Fond sister-in-law of Marilyn Flanagan and Bonnie (Donald dec.) Bell. Dear aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Lynda grew up in the Hegewisch neighborhood of Chicago where her father owned the local grocery store, Zralka’s Foods, on Avenue L. She was a member of St. Hedwig's Polish National Catholic Church where she served as the church organist.

Lynda attended Henry Clay School in Hegewisch, George Washington High School, and Chicago Vocational High School for secretarial training where she graduated in 1964, but not before meeting the love of her life, Frank Flanagan. The two attended Lynda’s senior prom together in 1964 and were married in 1966.

Their journey together began literally by accident. A close call while turning at an intersection on Cottage Grove lead to an exchange of phone numbers, then dates, and ultimately, they were married. Together they raised their family in Palos Park, enjoying the nature, the outdoors, and even the yardwork.

Lynda spent her career in the medical field. First working as a hospital secretary at St. Francis, which inspired her to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) and finally becoming an RN. She attended Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills and received her BSN from St. Francis College of Nursing in Joliet.

Her first job out of nursing school was as an emergency room and helicopter transport nurse at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago. The ER became her passion and is where she spent many years of her career including contract work at Little Company of Mary, Palos Hospital and University of Chicago, followed by teaching and medical insurance. She finished her career as a Manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and retired in 2011.

Lynda especially enjoyed her travels to Sedona, Vermont, and Scotland. She also enjoyed hobbies of family genealogy research and home decorating. She will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her.

A private Memorial Service for Lynda’s family and friends will be held Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL.

Below is a photo tribute celebrating Lynda's life.



Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400