Betty Flanagan passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital after a short illness on February 13, 2024.  The daughter of Felix and Elizabeth DeSantis, Betty was born and raised in Summit, NJ with her twin sister, Nancy, and older brother, Robert.   One of her favorite places growing up was the Jersey Shore, where she ultimately met her late husband, Dr. Joseph Flanagan.  They enjoyed a wonderful and amazing marriage of over 52 years that included a move to Schweinfurt, Germany while Joe was serving in the Army.   Betty embraced the local culture and cuisine, and quickly became a favorite of the local village.  During that time, she and Joe traveled extensively in Europe with exciting adventures to Greece, Italy, France and Switzerland.  She was an avid skier, able to explore all the Swiss Alps had to offer, and recounted tales of Après-Ski for years.  After four years, the family moved back to the States to Cincinnati, OH for two years before settling permanently in Middletown, CT.

Betty Flanagan leaves her two devoted children, Carrie Milaccio (William) and Kevin Flanagan (Susan), and four grandchildren whom she loved more than anything, Mimi Flanagan and Matthew, Emma and Olivia Milaccio.  Betty was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She was devoted to her family, and her most treasured times were when the family was together at her house celebrating the holidays or on vacations to Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, Niagara Falls, Mexico, and Florida.  She was the #1 fan of her children and grandchildren, and supported all of their academic and athletic pursuits.

If you needed to find Betty, she could often be found on a beach somewhere reading a book, taking a nap and soaking up the sun, in any temperature.  Betty's absolute favorite times were spending summers at the beach in Old Saybrook with her grandchildren while taking them on many adventures as well as spending time with her dear friends and family.  Betty loved sports and cheering on her favorite teams, which included her children's and grandchildren's teams, the Yankees, and, of course, the UCONN men's and women's basketball teams.

Betty's other passion was tennis – watching, playing, organizing and especially enjoying the friendships which developed over the years.  She was involved in creating, growing and running tennis leagues in Central Connecticut for 42+ years at many different tennis clubs, even up to a week within her passing to get the lineups out.   She supported and volunteered for many years at the Pilot Pen tournament in New Haven, CT.    And she was always ready to jet off to the US Open or Miami Open to cheer on her favorite player, Rafael Nadal.

Betty was a devout Catholic, and her faith was the rock of her good-hearted soul.  Betty was always involved in volunteering at the church and she especially enjoyed teaching catechism classes for many years to young Catholics.   Betty was always involved in helping local charities, food banks, a friend or neighbor in need.  She was the most loyal and trusted friend, always looking out for the best interest of others before herself.

Betty is survived by her sister, Nancy Terrell (Bob); brother, Robert DeSantis; sisters-in-law, Ree Gaffney and Patricia Christian (Lee); nieces and nephews, Christine Ruszczyk, Colleen Gaffney, Eddie Gaffney, Bonnie Southwick, Robert Terrell and Chris Terrell; and, extended family.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the Mass to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at St. Colman Church, Hubbard St., Middlefield at 10:00 a.m.  The burial will be at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown, CT directly following the Mass.  To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com or if you wish to make a memorial donation in Betty's name please send contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Middletown.