Nolan, Aideen F.

Beloved wife, mother grandmother

West Hartford – Mrs. Aideen F. (Flannery) Nolan, 75, passed away on Saturday, March 23, at the Uconn Health Center in Farmington, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Patrick T. Nolan. Aideen was born March 7, 1949, in New York, NY, daughter of the late Henry and Catherine (Halley) Flannery. Raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC, she was a graduate of St. John’s University, class of 1970. For 25 years she was a teacher at St. Mary School in Waterbury until her retirement in 2012. Aideen was passionate about teaching and adored her first grade students.

Her career in education began after college, in New York City where she met her future husband Pat (Tom). In the years that followed, they lived in California, where they subsequently married, and later in Boston, and again, in New York -- before relocating to Waterbury, where they raised their young family and remained in the same house for almost thirty years. In retirement they lived in West Hartford where together they enjoyed working out at the gym, taking walks in the park, exploring local restaurants, and most of all being close to their grandchildren.

Aideen loved the history, culture, and music of her ancestral home, Ireland. Her favorite places to visit included County Mayo, as well as the cities of Waterford and Belfast where she had several cherished relatives. She and her husband made numerous journeys back in retirement. On top of being an avid reader of all books Irish, Aideen loved mysteries, lighthearted movies, practicing tai chi, and tending to her impressive collection of plants. As a homemaker, Aideen’s sense of taste was impeccable – both inside and outside the house.

Although Aideen suffered many health challenges, she always bounced back and never lost her sharp mind and her fantastic sense of humor. She was selfless when it came to others, and most of all she was loyal, devoted and loving when it came to her family. She was an exceptional mother who fostered a love of learning in her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Patrick F. Nolan and his wife Leanne of West Hartford and Mary N. Fracchia and her husband Andrew of Goshen; her loving sister, Maura Flannery of Aiken, SC; five grandchildren, Benjamin Nolan, Jack Fracchia, James Fracchia and Ava and Olivia Nolan, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 1, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Bergin Funeral Home, 290 East Main St., Waterbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 2, at 10:00 A.M. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Burial will follow in Old St. Joseph’s Cemetery. To send notes of sympathy and comfort to Aideen’s family please visit her tribute page at www.berginfuneralhome.

Memorial contributions may be made in Aideen’s name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by visiting lls.org.