Anne Lyons Flinn

“Let’s have a happening!” Mom loved an adventure and traveled extensively following in her parents’ footsteps, Anna Skramusksy and Frederick Charles Ruof. Anne Winifred Ruof Lyons Flinn grew up during the Depression and WW2. Despite this, Anne and her siblings had a happy childhood in Lancaster, PA. Mom was sad to be the last one left of her generation, she was preceded in death by her four brothers - John, Joseph, James and Fred, and two sisters, Mary and Joan. She lived a full and long life before passing on December 21, 2021 at the age of 90. Her final days were full of love and visits from her four children and their spouses. She was so proud of Stephen Lyons (Jolan), Lenore Lyons (Diane), Lisa Duffin (Robert), and Jeanne Campsie (Scott). Mom graduated with a BS in Nursing from Villanova University in 1955, one of only six women to graduate after the university began accepting women. It was there she met Stephen Lyons who she married later that year. Stephen and Anne raised their four children in Westwood NJ until their divorce in 1972. Once her children were launched, Anne moved to Alexandria, VA for a leadership role at the American Blood Commission. Her life changed one cold January night when she attended a town meeting and eyed the eye a handsome man, Dennis Flinn who she married on April 1, 1989. The happiest years of her life were shared with her Dennis, they traveled throughout the United States, Europe and Africa. They had fourteen wonderful years together before Dennis passed in 2003. Her final years were spent at Brookdale Chambrel in Williamsburg, VA. Her family is so grateful to the entire staff who took such loving care of our mom. Additionally, Sentara Hospice provided such loving comfort care during the past year. Anne’s adventurous spirit will live on through her four children and eight grandchildren - Jesse Lyons (Luisa), Rya Lyons (Mitch), Natalia Herman (Luke), Kati Lyons, Erin Duffin (Tobias), Ryan Duffin, Colin Campsie, and Paige Campsie; and four great-grandchildren, Baxter and Arlo Herman and Ellie and Mia Lyons. Her first husband, Stephen passed in 2013, and Anne Flinn is survived by his second wife Karen Lyons. Anne also has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and dear friends, near and far, who will miss her greatly. A celebration of life will be held in Irvington, VA. in April 2022. Details will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated. This charity was important to mom; she was so grateful for the health of her children and grandchildren.