Sister, Aunt, Friend. Mara Celeste Flannery, 52, of Virginia Beach, passed suddenly on November 2.  She is survived by her sisters Jane Flannery (Whitinsville) and Erin Flannery Kahwati (Groton), nieces Stephanie & Nichole; nephews Anthony, Gus and Cormac; and, like, a thousand cousins.  Mara is preceded in death by her parents, Robert (Bob) Louis Flannery (Medford) and Jean Higgins Flannery (Woburn), her daughter, Megan Elizabeth Calderon (Miami), her dog, Addy, and her husband, Sean Flood (Chelmsford).

Growing up in Billerica, MA, Mara spent her school years performing in theater and musicals, developing a love of music and many lasting friendships along the way. From there, Mara was a free spirit in the hospitality industry, roaming the beaches of the East coast, settling first in the Florida Keys, Miami and St. Petersburg, and then, after losing her daughter to cancer, Mara returned North, to Hampton Beach NH.  Mara worked in the vacation industry and became a Granite State Ambassador for tourism so she could share with visitors what she loved best…the beach.

After relocating to Florida to care for her ailing mother, she reconnected with her high school boyfriend and a storybook romance was re-kindled. They enjoyed four years of marriage before Sean passed suddenly this past September.

Mara was known for her kindness, humor, and her sweet infectious smile.  She could often be found cooking up some fabulous feast, or delicious sweet treat. She always made enough to share.  What’s most memorable was her willingness to help anyone in need. She was most happy smoking a bowl, visiting with friends and family, walking the beach, attending Sunday Mass, or watching those corny Hallmark Holiday movies year-round.

Her family deeply mourns her passing.  Mara requested her ashes be spread at the place where the tide comes in, and her celebration of life will be held sometime in the Spring, when circumstances will allow for those who loved her to participate and share stories.  In the meantime, let’s all raise a parting glass on her birthday, December 11.  May Mara enjoy eternal peace.