Kathryn Kellogg Flynn

Kathryn Elizabeth (Kellogg) Flynn died peacefully at home on January 9, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Kathryn was the devoted wife of John J. Flynn for 55 years, who predeceased her in 2021. She was predeceased by her daughter, Judith Flynn Hardy in 2013. She was the proud and loving mother of Karen Flynn Gaffney (Kevin) and Sean Flynn (Maureen), and adoring grandmother of Maeve, Ryan, and Elizabeth Gaffney, and Elish, Liam, and Delaney Flynn.

Born on November 12, 1939, Kathryn grew up in a small, rural farming community outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of Karl and Alice (Crosby) Kellogg.

As an undergraduate, Kathryn studied elementary and special education at Washington University in St Louis through the Central Institute for the Deaf. She earned her master’s degree in elementary and special education from Northeastern University. After graduating, Kathryn taught in several states, including Michigan and Maryland. It was while teaching in Maryland that she met John. They were married there in 1966, and soon after, settled in Massachusetts, where John’s family was from, making their home in Concord.

Kathryn was a kind-hearted, gentle, and loving woman who gathered and cherished many dear friends throughout her rich life. She gracefully balanced a devoted teaching career with being a loving and fully present mother, never missing a school event or after-school game. A farmer at heart, she found great joy in her flower and vegetable gardens and could identify nearly any flower. She grew up working around and riding horses on her family’s farm, and never lost her love for the simple rhythm of farm life. She also delighted in attending as many of her grandchildren’s events as she could, from lacrosse and soccer games to dance recitals, regattas, and ice hockey games.

Kathryn was also a master seamstress. As a young woman, she made her own clothing, and later lovingly created her children’s Halloween costumes and Bicentennial outfits. She also loved to bake, and made it a cherished tradition to create a personalized birthday cake for each of her grandchildren every year.

Kathy also had a fun and adventurous spirit. As an undergraduate, she seized the opportunity to spend a summer working in Estes Park, CO, where she led hiking trips up Longs Peak. The summer after graduating from Washington University, she and several friends embarked on a month long cross country trip which culminated at the Seattle World’s Fair.

Kathy and John were longtime members of the Heritage Pool and Racquet Club, where she enjoyed playing tennis. She loved both cross-country and downhill skiing at their home in the White Mountains, and took great pleasure in hosting friends for ski weekends. Kathy cherished her long walks around Concord and Ripley School and delighted in traveling with family and friends. She especially looked forward to the annual summer family vacation in Maine, as well as Fourth of July celebrations on Cape Cod.

Kathryn was an active and devoted member of the Trinitarian Congregational Church for over 58 years. Over those years, she served on numerous committees, most recently being The Caring Connection Committee, offering her time and compassion to others. She also served for many years on the board of the Timothy Wheeler House, most recently as its president. Kathryn and John were proud patrons of the 51 Walden Theatre group and deeply enjoyed the friendship and community they found there.

Kathryn was a voracious reader and beloved member of a wonderful book club (NGBC) made up of dear friends and neighbors.

In addition to her heartbroken children and grandchildren, Kathryn is survived by her dear sister, Jean Soules of GA, and eight beloved nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held at the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Concord. Burial in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is also private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kathryn’s memory may be made to the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden St, Concord, MA 01742 (www.triconchurch.org)