SOUTHWICK-Nancy Pauline Flagg, 66, (1948-2016) passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at her residence in Southwick, MA. Nancy was born on September 11, 1949 in Holyoke, MA to the late Hendry and Jeanette (LaBrecque) Grabowski. She lived in Granby, MA for most of her childhood before moving to Southwick, MA where she met her husband and started a family. Nancy lost the love of her life, her husband Charles Flagg in 1979. At the young age of 29 she was faced with the challenge of raising 4 young children as a single mother. To ensure her family had everything they needed, Nancy starting babysitting and selling her crafts she loved to make to support her family. She later worked in the school cafeteria serving lunch in the Southwick School System. Her career ended as a cook at most famous donut shop in New England, Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts in Southwick, MA. She will be remembered as a true “One of a Kind”-Nancy always had an open door policy, anyone could go to her to talk about anything. She cared for everyone and was a Mother to many. Her commitment as a Mother didn’t end with her own 4 children. She enjoyed crafting especially stained glass working. She also enjoyed playing cards and dice with her grandchildren. Nancy loved cribbage but was always up to a good game of burn. Many of her last days were spent playing dice with her brother Tony. She loved the ocean and created many lasting memories with her family vacationing at Wells Beach, Maine during the summer. Nancy had a very strong and positive will, throughout her illness she never complained. She was more interested in making sure everyone else was comfortable and happy. Predeceased by her parents and 2 brothers Henry and William, she leaves her sons: Ty Flagg of WI, Scott Flagg of Agawam and Cory Flagg and his girlfriend Nichole of Southwick, MA; daughter, Heather Lavoie and her husband David of Suffield, CT, brothers: James, Tony, Tom, John, Michael and Paul Grabowski; sister, Joannie Lafreniere; her grandchildren: Alec, Keresa, Matthew, Aiden, Tyler, Kyla and Tate and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Noble Hospital, Noble VNA and Hospice, Vibra Hospital of Western Massachusetts in Springfield, MA and Nichole, whom Nancy thought of as a daughter, for the love, dedication and care they provided Nancy during her last months. Memorial donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Springfield Shriners Hospital for Children, ATTN: MEMORIAL DONATIONS, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. A private Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, June 18, 2016. Burial was held at the Woodland Cemetery in Granville, MA where she joined the love of her life, her husband Charles. End of Life services have been entrusted to Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC 691 College Hwy., Southwick, MA 01077. To share photos, videos or express a condolence to the family please visit Nancy’s Memorial Page at www.avaloncelebrations.com
