Passing of former Westmeath Independent photographer

The funeral has taken place of Patricia (Pat) Flanagan (née Waldron) a former staff photographer at the Westmeath Independent.

Pat, who passed away peacefully on Friday morning, took up a position with the paper in 1961, following the departure of the late Angela Dunning and remained as staff photographer until 1966 when she moved to the ESB Photographic Department in Dublin.

Her work featured in the Westmeath Independent again from the early to the mid-1970s. She also operated her own business, Pat's Photo Studio, in Athlone.

She married Michael Flanagan, a well-known figure from the show business and later business world, in 1975.

The deceased was also a prominent player with Athlone Hockey Club in her younger days and in later years was active in community and fundraising endeavours.

Noted for her warm, vivacious personality and good humour and her innate fashion sense, she was a kind and generous neighbour and friend to many.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents Jim and Margaret, brother Seamus, sisters Angela, Marty and Tilly and grandson Zach, sadly missed by her loving husband Michael, daughter Michelle (O'Brien) and son Oliver, son-in-law Richy and adoring grand daughter Saoirse, brother John F., sister Bernard (Duffy), in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. May She Rest In Peace.

Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday in St Mary's Church, Athlone with burial in Coosan cemetery.

The management and staff of Westmeath Independent extend our sympathies to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.