Joan Marie Flanagan

Joan “Joni” Marie Flanagan passed away Sunday, May 3,2020, surrounded by family, after battling cancer, at the age of 63.

Joni was born on August 7, 1956 in Erie, Pennsylvania to her parents, George W. Hardner and Mary A. Hardner (Schultz). She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Robert G. Flanagan of Mary Esther, FL; her sons, Kyle (Lynn) Flanagan of Augusta, GA and Tim Flanagan of Tempe, AZ; her sister Judy (Bernie) Lobenstein of Erie, PA; and her brother, David (MaryAnn) Hardner of Erie, PA. She was also a beloved Grandmother “Gram” to Kyle and Lynn’s two boys, Keagan and Kolton.

Joni had a passion for life and a true passion for others. She taught some amazing students who she loved at Holley Navarre Intermediate School. She loved spending time with and traveling with her family, especially anywhere in the mountains. She was an extremely active person and loved being outdoors, whether in the garden, on her bike, or taking multiple walks a day with the family’s dog, Cami. Joni believed in helping as many people as possible in life. She would always be the first to volunteer for a project or an organization needing help. Countless hours of her life were spent volunteering and raising awareness for causes she believed in, such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and, locally, Shelter House. Joni was truly a selfless person who absolutely loved life. She chose a way of life that would allow her to be an amazing wife and mom, and she balanced that so well. She chose a career that would impact generations. She chose to spend her time on the people and things that mattered most. She will be missed so much by all who knew and loved her. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate nothing more than donations to one of her favorite non-profits, Shelter House, an amazing organization that supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Donations may be mailed to Shelter House, P.O. Box 220, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 or online at http://www.shelterhousenwfl.org/give-help/donate/

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