Obituary for Stina Helene Flannery (Thorland)
Stina Helene Flannery
Durham, NH: Stina Helene Flannery, 83, died on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Kirkwood Corners in Lee, NH. She was surrounded by love, family, and friends.
She was born on July14,1938 in Bergen, Norway the daughter of Hans Thorland and Stina Tufteland Thorland, who died in childbirth.
Stina was raised by her father, Hans, in the small village of Fitjar on the island of Stord, Norway. Friends know that Stina was always ready to share a cup of coffee and stories of her childhood growing up in Norway. She survived German occupation and the impoverished post-World War II years thanks to the safety and guidance of her much-adored father. Stina often re-told the stories of rowing the dingy out in the bay before school to collect fish. She also told stories of her father’s kindness to many, which shaped her own generous spirit.
Stina immigrated to the United States at age 17. In Minnesota, North Dakota, and Seattle, she worked in various housekeeping and nursing aide jobs while learning English. For several years she spent time between Norway and the United States. During that time, she met David W. Flannery of Waltham, MA, whom she eventually married. Together they bore three children- Jonathan, Patrick, and Jennifer- and settled in southern Maine. After they divorced Stina lived in Wells, Maine and Dover, NH. While raising her children she worked as a retail manager for Quoddy Moccasins and Dunham Boots. She also took pride in selling fine accessories at Shelton’s on York Beach. She enjoyed dining and dancing with her long-time companion Henry Laurion. After retiring Stina spent time volunteering to serve senior meals at St. Mary’s in Wells and chatting, always chatting, with friends and family. In her later years she traveled back to Norway for two extended visits, where she was warmly greeted by the loving arms of her family and friends.
Stina will be remembered as a dedicated mother, grandmother, and loyal friend with a strong and feisty spirit. She was extremely generous even in her leanest years, always supporting those less fortunate than her. Through her strong Catholic faith, she always looked to God to provide and protect her. She taught her children and grandchildren to do the same.
Stina is survived by her former husband and friend, David W. Flannery; three children, Jonathan T. Flannery, Patrick L. Flannery, Jennifer L. Flannery Elliott and her husband, Thomas D. Elliott. She is also survived by three adoring grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stina’s name to Community Partners, Partners in Health Program, 113 Crosby Road, Dover, NH 03820 or to the Dover Children’s Home, 207 Locust Street, Dover, NH 03820.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, November 30th in the Parish of St. Thomas More, 6 Madbury Road, Durham, NH 03824 with Father Andrew W. Cryans officiating. Lunch will follow in the church hall.
To sign our online guestbook, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com
Durham, NH: Stina Helene Flannery, 83, died on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Kirkwood Corners in Lee, NH. She was surrounded by love, family, and friends.
She was born on July14,1938 in Bergen, Norway the daughter of Hans Thorland and Stina Tufteland Thorland, who died in childbirth.
Stina was raised by her father, Hans, in the small village of Fitjar on the island of Stord, Norway. Friends know that Stina was always ready to share a cup of coffee and stories of her childhood growing up in Norway. She survived German occupation and the impoverished post-World War II years thanks to the safety and guidance of her much-adored father. Stina often re-told the stories of rowing the dingy out in the bay before school to collect fish. She also told stories of her father’s kindness to many, which shaped her own generous spirit.
Stina immigrated to the United States at age 17. In Minnesota, North Dakota, and Seattle, she worked in various housekeeping and nursing aide jobs while learning English. For several years she spent time between Norway and the United States. During that time, she met David W. Flannery of Waltham, MA, whom she eventually married. Together they bore three children- Jonathan, Patrick, and Jennifer- and settled in southern Maine. After they divorced Stina lived in Wells, Maine and Dover, NH. While raising her children she worked as a retail manager for Quoddy Moccasins and Dunham Boots. She also took pride in selling fine accessories at Shelton’s on York Beach. She enjoyed dining and dancing with her long-time companion Henry Laurion. After retiring Stina spent time volunteering to serve senior meals at St. Mary’s in Wells and chatting, always chatting, with friends and family. In her later years she traveled back to Norway for two extended visits, where she was warmly greeted by the loving arms of her family and friends.
Stina will be remembered as a dedicated mother, grandmother, and loyal friend with a strong and feisty spirit. She was extremely generous even in her leanest years, always supporting those less fortunate than her. Through her strong Catholic faith, she always looked to God to provide and protect her. She taught her children and grandchildren to do the same.
Stina is survived by her former husband and friend, David W. Flannery; three children, Jonathan T. Flannery, Patrick L. Flannery, Jennifer L. Flannery Elliott and her husband, Thomas D. Elliott. She is also survived by three adoring grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stina’s name to Community Partners, Partners in Health Program, 113 Crosby Road, Dover, NH 03820 or to the Dover Children’s Home, 207 Locust Street, Dover, NH 03820.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, November 30th in the Parish of St. Thomas More, 6 Madbury Road, Durham, NH 03824 with Father Andrew W. Cryans officiating. Lunch will follow in the church hall.
To sign our online guestbook, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com