Theresa (Terry) Josephine Flannigan (nee Papa) peacefully passed away at her home in Jackson, with her daughter Joan by her side on February 28, 2023.

Theresa and her twin sister Rita were born on March 12, 1931 into a large Italian family. They were the 13th and 14th children born to Alphonso and Mary Papa (Mangini) in Camden, New Jersey. She grew up in Delair, along with her fifteen siblings (seven boys and nine girls).

Terry married Bernard Joseph Flannigan on September 5, 1950 in Toms River, NJ with a Justice of the Peace officiating. They settled in Howell. They were married for 43 years, and together they managed a farming business for many years while raising three children.

Sewing was an enjoyable past time and she used her sewing skills for a local theatre company as a set coordinator for several years, where she sewed costumes for the actors and made props for the shows. Her true love and favorite hobby was painting. She opened her successful private art studio “Terry’s Art Kids”, teaching children to paint and draw. Many of her students went on to win numerous awards for their art work. She had many Art Gallery shows with her students, and a few of her larger shows were covered by several newspapers. She touched the lives of many children who kept in touch with her long after they no longer took classes. Upon her retirement she enjoyed traveling, painting, spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and especially visiting with her family whom she loved deeply, particularly taking great joy in holiday family gatherings. Terry lived a full life, but her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family. A few highlights were her long ago monthly card games with Rita, Joe, Judy, Louie, Carmela, Jim, Joanie and Al that lasted into the wee hours of the morning with numerous food breaks. She looked forward to Linda’s Crab Fest family reunion every summer. She and her twin sister Rita were inseparable. Even though they didn’t live as close as they’d like, time was always made for phone calls and for visits on a regular basis with lots of laughter, food and love. She was constantly smiling, and was always ready to help anyone in need. Her sense of humor was quite unique, as were her jokes. Laughter was a large part of her life and she enjoyed bringing humor into others’ lives.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband Bernard, infant son, Bernard Jr., fourteen siblings and their husbands and wives. She is lovingly survived by her twin sister Rita, three children, Rita (Arie), Joan (Carl), Robert, six grandchildren, Marc (Karen), Monique (Matt), Evette (Jamie), Carl III, Travis (Karen), Tyler, and eight great-grandchildren, Theresa, Paul, Angelina, Colin, Jenna, Kyle, Gavin and Elliot Louise. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews to cherish her memory. Additionally, she leaves her good friend John K. and her dearest friend Pia to treasure the joyful memories of time spent with her in their hearts.

Terry will be deeply missed by all who knew her and her memory will live on through the lives of those she touched.

The family is grateful for Bayada Hospice Services during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Hospital at:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105