Eliza N. Flanagan, 93, of Middletown, Delaware passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Harmony at Glasgow Senior living located in Newark, Delaware.

She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and always maintained a deep appreciation for that region of the state even after moving to the Philadelphia area. Following High School she obtained two separate bachelor's degrees from Penn State University, first in journalism and later pursuing a degree specializing in language arts. During her time at Penn State, she met the love of her life John J. Flanagan, Sr. and served as an editor for the campus newspaper. She was very active in the Kappa Delta sorority, where she developed lifelong friendships and connections. She originally planned to pursue a career in education guided by her servant's heart, but the untimely passing of her beloved husband John J. Flanagan, Sr. led her to a career as the owner and operator of a wholesale beer distribution firm originally operated by her late husband. Even amidst the adversity of loss she remained resilient, took over operations of the distribution company and managed to raise three children on her own.

Her amiable personality and ability to find the silver-lining in all situations guided her through life. She was quick to make friends and never backed down from a challenge, even when things seemed insurmountable. She also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life including stamp collecting, gardening, sewing, roller skating, and vacationing in the mountains. She had a profound interest in art and flowers, she was also an ardent Philadelphia sports fan, holding season tickets to the 76ers for many years but also kept interest in the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers which linked back to her childhood.

In later part of her life, she was able to dedicate a great deal of time to caring for her grandchildren, always assuring they made it to sporting events, assisting with daily care, and attending school events whenever possible. She was also able to pursue her passion for teaching, serving as a teacher's aide for the Ridley School District on a voluntary basis, continuing to enrich the lives of others through education.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Bernard A. Newell, Sr. and Alice A. (Rowse) Newell. Additionally, she is preceded in death by her husband John J. Flanagan, Sr., and beloved son: John J. Flanagan, Jr. and grandson Thomas J. Flanagan, Jr. (TJ).

Survivors: Two children: Thomas J. Flanagan, Sr. (Susan) and Audrey F. Kilian (Tom), brother: Bernard A. Newell, Jr., grandchildren: Matthew J. Flanagan (Lauren), Hayley A. Kilian, Sara E. Kilian, Jennifer K. McCollough (Paul), and Timothy J. Vail (Brittany), great-grandchildren: Nathan Flanagan, Liam Flanagan, Gabriella Vail, Madison Vail, Timothy Vail, Grace McCoullough, Noelle McCollough, Faith McCullough.

Visitation: Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM at Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, 5980 Chichester Avenue, Aston, Pennsylvania 19014.

Memorial Service: Thursday August 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM at Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, 5980 Chichester Avenue, Aston, Pennsylvania, 19014.

Interment: Private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Eliza's honor to the Alzheimer's Association .