Barbara Jeanne Flynn

Barbara Jeanne Flynn, RN, a resident of Aptos, California died last Sunday after a brief illness. She was 59. Barbara was raised in Castro Valley, California and graduated from the University of California in Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1975. Over 37 years, she enjoyed a very rewarding career as a health care professional, first as a clinical nurse and later as a leader in health care management. Most notably, in 1995 Barbara joined the Central California Alliance for Health as a founding and pioneering member, advancing rapidly to Health Services Director. She played an integral leadership role in helping the Alliance expand its capacity to provide health care services to over 220,000 patients in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Merced counties. Until her retirement in October 2012, Barbara's knowledge, skills and insight contributed to countless improvements in health services to the plan's most medically needy patients. In 2004, she was the recipient of the prestigious Fred Keeley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Mission, recognizing outstanding achievement in healthcare reform. In addition to being a tireless worker, Barbara loved her large extended family immensely; in particular, she was devoted to her eight nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and great-nephews. She also had a life-long, deep love for animals and only in December, said good bye to her loving canine companion of many years, Andy. Yosemite, a favorite childhood vacation spot, held a singular place of affection in her heart and she made frequent trips to the beautiful valley she loved to contemplate. She leaves her brother Michael and his wife Pamela of Corralitos, California, sister Patricia of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, sister-in-law and best friend Diane Flynn of Livermore, California, nieces Christine Niven, Joy Wall, Mary Flynn, Kathleen Oertle and nephews Jeffrey Flynn, Michael Flynn, Jr., John Flynn and Joseph Flynn and beloved aunts, Margaret Vater of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mary Flynn of Berkeley, California and Elizabeth Carter of Belle Chasse, Louisiana. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Alfred and Marie Flynn and her brother Robert Flynn. A Rosary and vigil service remembering Barbara will be conducted on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Resurrection Catholic Community, 7600 Soquel Drive in Aptos, California, preceded by a visitation beginning at 6:00 p.m. A funeral Mass for Barbara will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Resurrection Catholic Community, followed by a committal service at Valley Public Cemetery in Watsonville, California. After the committal service, the family will host a luncheon at the Best Western Sea Cliff's Severino's Bar & Grill, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, CA 95003. Memorial Contributions may be sent to Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Pkwy, Watsonville, CA 95076.