Dorothy Alene Moos O’Flynn, 97, of Hamilton, New York, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014.

She was born Aug. 6, 1917, in Kalispell, a daughter of William and Wima Beusen Moos, and grew up on the family farm in Northwestern Montana. Her childhood with loving parents and four siblings in a gorgeous natural setting was a happy one. All five Moos children graduated from high school, a difficult accomplishment in those days, and one she was very proud of.

She met John Francis O’Flynn in Kalispell and they were married during the course of World War II, on Jan. 25, 1943. Two children came along, Brian in 1948, and Donnel in 1952, both born in Helena. In 1960, the family moved to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where John worked for the federal government and Dorothy became a legal secretary. She read the Washington Post avidly and treasured the rich cultural resources of the nation’s capital. For many years she was a faithful member of District Heights Presbyterian Church in Maryland. 

Following her husband’s death in 1993, she remained in Maryland until 2000, when she relocated to Montana for part of each year, and lived with one of her two sons for part of the year. Beginning in October 2010, she moved in permanently with her son Donnel at the St. Thomas’ Church rectory in Hamilton. The St. Thomas’ community became her church home and primary social community.

Dorothy was the longest-lived member of her generation and is predeceased by her sisters, Willie Saverud, Gertrude Tykeson and Marjorie Bolstad; and by her brother, Fred Moos. 

She leaves her sons, Brian and Donnel; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Aidan, Sebastien, Kathleen and Raphael; one great-grandson, Jaden; and two beloved daughters-in-law, Janet and Cathy. 

Appreciated by all who met her for her quiet cheerfulness, inquiring mind and supportive heart, she will be very much missed. 

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 S. Main St., in Kalispell, followed by interment at 11:30 a.m., next to her husband in C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to her favorite charity, Save the Children Foundation, 501 Kings Highway East, Fairfield, CT 06825, at www.savethechildren.org.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dorothy’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence and sign Dorothy’s guest book.