Deirdre Mae Flannery Gollop

Deirdre Flannery Gollop, described by friends as "a glowing light in this world", passed away on Tuesday, July 20th. She was surrounded by her adoring husband, Frank, and her daughters, Kirstin, Kelsey and Caitlin. She was 74 years young.

Deirdre's greatest pride and joy was her seven grandchildren. She lives on in each of them: Sadie has her determination, Cooper her sweet sensitivity, Grace her spunk, Brynn her empathy, Wyatt her curiosity, McKenna her joyful generosity, and Trevor has her love for making people laugh.

This incomparable woman of glamour, grit and grace loved and lived for her friends and family. Deirdre was a force and dedicated her energy to being a rock for all who knew her, no matter how well or how close. She taught her three girls (and often reminded their husbands, Graham, John and Ryan) to strive for whatever they wanted, never take 'no' for an answer and, above all, care for each other. She created a family, "Team Gollop", whose members are completely dedicated to one another and will continue her legacy, constantly giving their hearts and their time to others as she did.

Deirdre had a sparkle, a playful childlike spirit and no one made a room of people belly laugh as hard as she. Deirdre loved to entertain by telling stories about the children who made her so proud or the travels she enjoyed so much. Everything she touched, from the rooms she designed to her beloved gardens, was beautiful and colorful, and she was stylishly dressed for every occasion.

Born Deirdre Mae Flannery, this vivacious Irishwoman grew up in Los Angeles, California with her loving parents, Philip and Julianna, and her sister, Daniele. As a young woman, Deirdre enjoyed cheerleading and parties of every kind. Before graduating from Santa Clara University, she met Frank Gollop who would become her devoted husband of 51 years. After Deirdre pursued her Masters in Special Education at the University of Southern California (making plenty of time along the way for fun at the beaches she loved), she and Frank moved to Wisconsin where she directed research projects for specialized childhood education at the University of Wisconsin. With this work followed by starting her family in a cozy Madison house to teaching first graders in Wayland, Massachusetts at Happy Hollow School, Deirdre's lifelong devotion to enhancing the lives of others began.

The family will hold a private burial for Deirdre in her beloved garden by the sea at which her daughters will sing her favorite songs and her grandchildren will read notes and share drawings.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Deirdre's honor to National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado - the world's leading respiratory hospital and a place that provided her with great care and hope.

Deirdre was cherished by so many, from Weston and Chatham, MA to Madison, WI to Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA. Her vibrant presence will be missed at the Weston Garden Club, Chatham Walkers, Monomoy Yacht Club, and her many bridge groups and book clubs. There will never be anyone like her and she will be forever missed. Her family is supported by the memories of her strength and laughter. They find great peace imagining Deirdre joyful with her loved ones who have passed before as she builds another dream home in the place that her faith guaranteed.