Ella Mae Flanagan passed away at the age of 88 in Bismarck, North Dakota on May 10, 2026.

Born May 16, 1937, to James Powell and Catherine Bateman Powell, Ella Mae grew up in a large family, surrounded by her many brothers and sisters. She developed a strong sense of compassion and service that, along with her Catholic faith, guided her throughout her life.

Ella Mae married Richard Wolfe in 1961 and together they raised six children: Mary Koppinger, Margaret Ridgeway, Richard Flanagan, Thomas Wolfe, Daniel Flanagan, and Matthew Flanagan. After her husband passed away, Ella Mae married James Flanagan in 1972. They added Julia Flanagan-Schmidt and James W. Flanagan to their family.

She made family the center of her life, and nothing gave her more pride than celebrating the lives and accomplishments of her many children and grandchildren.

A lifelong learner and dedicated professional, Ella Mae graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1955 before pursuing her calling in nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital Nursing School, where she became a Registered Nurse. She went on to serve her community with skill and compassion at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, New York, and later at Hudson River State Psychiatric Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Committed to advancing her education, Ella Mae spent time at the University of New Mexico and later returned to school as an adult (while continuing to work full time!) and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She subsequently completed her Master’s degree in Nursing at Pace University. Her career reflected not only her intelligence and determination, but also her deep care for others. Her patients benefited from her tireless and unwavering advocacy, as well as her warmth and kindness.

In retirement, she traveled widely, including trips to Ghana, Rome, Lourdes, Ireland, and a river cruise through Germany and Hungary.

Ella Mae will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and continual dedication to both her family and her profession. She overcame very difficult challenges with a simple and clear focus: the people she loved were the only thing that mattered. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.

Ella Mae was predeceased by both of her husbands, her son Thomas Wolfe, her daughter Margaret Ridgeway, and her granddaughters Danielle Flanagan and Kimberly Koppinger. She is survived by two of her brothers, William Powell and Daniel Powell, six children, as well as eleven grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Regina Coeli Roman Catholic Church, 2 Harvey St, Hyde Park, NY on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Inurnment will follow in Our Lady of the Holy Souls Mausoleum at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY.