A brave, early, caring whistleblower has passed away

Rita was a courageous and compassionate woman who, for years, was one of the very few who tried hard to warn parents and parishioners about Washington's most prolific and devastating predator priest. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loved ones and our gratitude to those who joined her quest to safeguard kids and expose wrongdoing.

-David Clohessy, SNAP Director

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/spokesman/obituary.aspx?n=rita-flynn&pid=153661024

Rita Flynn (01/05/1926 - 09/13/2011)

Our beloved mother, grand-mother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on September 13. Born January 5, 1926 in Chicago, IL, to Anthony and Ida Stalzer, she was the fifth of six children. She was married to Dr. James J. Flynn, Jr. from 1949 to 1984. She received a Master's Degree in Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago. She moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1953 and to Spokane in 1960 where she became a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish. Her lifelong membership in the Catholic Church only made her an even more dedicated champion of those who had been abused by priests and she devoted much energy in the later decades of her life to the redress of this problem. She provided daycare services in her home for many years. She epitomized motherhood for many. The cards and flowers she received on Mother's Day were not just from her own children. She was also very dedicated to the advancement of women and was enthusiastic about the improvements in the status of women throughout her life. We were all inspired by her. She is survived by her loving children: Maureen, Genn Rollins (Martin), James Joseph Flynn III (Johanna), Dr. Dan Lord- Flynn (Lynn), Sean Flynn, Padraic Flynn, Maura Flynn (Mike Ellyson), Dr. Connor Flynn (Donna), Gavin Flynn (Lara), and Keelin Daniels (Mike Daniels); her much beloved grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Renata Rollins (Will McGinty), Michaela Rollins (Daron Williams); and Ben, Chaz and Maggie Rollins; Seamus and Connor Flynn; Danielle (Shilo Reed), Alex and Suzy Lord-Flynn (Jesse Steinfort) and Brittany Morley; Neale and Seanaghan Flynn Ellyson; Jake Harter Flynn; Taran, Tovi and Avala Flynn; Parker and Kendal Daniels, and Antonio Kirkpatrick); her siblings Sister Rita Stalzer, CSJ, and Charles Stalzer; her nephew Billy Urhausen of Chattaroy WA and all the children of her brothers and sisters. She was predeceased by -- her daughter Terese Mary Flynn, her infant children Francis, Megan Mary and Martin Dennis, her sisters Dorothy Stalzer Dussman and Florence Stalzer Urhausen, and her brother, General Eugene Stalzer. Rosary will be prayed for all who wish to come on Sunday, September 18 at 4pm at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 3624 W Indian Trail Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Assumption Church on Monday, September 19 at 10AM. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Please sign her guestbook at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com