Shirley Ann (Mix) Flynn

Shirley Ann Mix Flynn of Naples, FL. and Chautauqua, NY. passed away peacefully on February 15, 2018 at the age of 83 with her daughter at her bedside. She was born April 16, 1934 in Olean, NY. to Elwood and Louise Mix of Bradford, PA.

Shirley was a 1952 graduate of Bradford High School and received her B.S. degree in Health, Physical Education, and Science in 1956 from Pennsylvania State University. After receiving her degree, Shirley taught science and physical education at the junior and senior high level for almost ten years in several different Pennsylvania towns. She also coached the girls’ school basketball teams and cultivated many close relationships with the student athletes.

Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 38 years, James Leonard Flynn. She is survived by her only daughter, Sharon Louise McClymonds and son-in-law, Alan Robert McClymonds - both of New Canaan, CT; two granddaughters, Meghan Lynn McClymonds of Seattle, WA. and Kelly Anne McClymonds of New Canaan, CT; two brothers, Elvin L. Mix of Sammamish, WA. and Thomas E. Mix of Sequim, WA; one nephew from Chandler, AZ; one niece and two nephews from the Seattle, WA. area; and one step-son Douglas Flynn of Albuquerque, NM.

Shirley truly had a very vibrant spirit and exceptional zest for life. She preferred to participate in every sport rather than just be a spectator. As a teenager, she competed in swimming, diving, and tennis. As an adult, she added golf, sailing, and skiing to her repertoire of sports. She loved children of all ages. In teaching sports to children, she followed her bliss. She appreciated all that nature had to offer and enjoyed her many dogs, adopted stray cats, birds, and one horse. She loved touring America and liked to observe the people and the country so much that in retirement, she and her husband split their time between Sun City West, Arizona; Naples, Florida; and Chautauqua, New York. They were active members in churches in each of those communities.

Shirley was an extremely creative person. Her many oil paintings, watercolors, hand-made pottery, nature photography, and stitchery will be lasting momentos of her many talents. She loved finding and celebrating the beauty in life and this world. Shirley was a woman of immense faith. She loved her God, the country He gave her, and the people in it.

A memorial celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at the Bower Chapel at Moorings Park in Naples at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 17th. with a reception immediately following across the street at Trio restaurant.

Mrs. Flynn’s ashes will be interred at the Desert Garden Church, Sun City West, AZ. alongside her loving husband. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the compassionate care provided to Shirley by her home health aides, nursing staff, and Avow Hospice caregivers during her five years residing at Moorings Park.