Rosemary "Collie" (Frank) Flanagan- Kahle

Mrs. Rosemary “Collie” (Frank) Flanagan-Kahle, age 90, formerly of the Utica area and currently a resident of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in her home, with her nieces, Cathy and Lynda, and her beloved cat, “Weesie” by her side. Rosemary was born in Oriskany, New York on January 24, 1922, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Preato) Frank. She was raised and educated in Oriskany, and embarked on a quest for higher education by attending college classes. In 1942 she married Thomas Flanagan with whom she shared a union of 25 years until his passing in 1967. In 1973, she married Andrew Kahle, her “true Southern gentleman”. Her beloved Andy passed away in 2001. In earlier years, Collie brought her creative talents to her position at radio station WRUN, and during those fledgling years she was so proud to have worked with Dick Clark! She later worked at General Electric Company, initially at the Broad Street location Radio Receiver Plant. She was subsequently promoted to Consumer Relations where she presented her views of the company’s manufactured products, reviewing them in the light of consumer perspectives and feasibility studies. Her input was highly regarded; she was a truly woman ahead of her time. When Andy and Collie married, they relocated to Illinois, and then retired to Florida where they treasured the weather and the vibrant community in which they settled. It was a time of great contentment for them. During her years in Florida, Collie was heavily involved in community affairs. She participated in many fund-raising activities and was a strong advocate for women’s rights. She was also a unique shopper, an outstanding seamstress, and an avid reader of varied genres. A clever conversationalist, she was a woman who presented herself with much style and grace. She was an animal lover, especially felines, and she loved to relax under a blue sky and take in nature. “All in all, she had a wonderful life”. Rosemary was blessed with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who survive her. In addition, she leaves her in-laws, Mark Resto, and Josephine Frank; and her dear friends, Louise and Bob Ferla, and Judi and Marvin Grose, and her devoted caregiver, Yolanda Sarmiento who filled Collie’s last days with comfort and peace. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, and her brothers and sisters-in-law, John Frank, Madeline and Joseph Zullo, Antoinette Resto, Joseph and Helen Frank, Jr., Andrew Frank, Louis and Irene Frank, Mary and John Tantillo, and Dorothy and Dominick Tomaselli. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18th at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave.. Her nephew, Deacon Ron Tocci, will officiate at the service.

Rosemary "Collie" (Frank) Flanagan- Kahle

January 24, 1922 - July 4, 2012