Susan Irene Flynn

Susan Irene Flynn of Antioch died Aug. 25 from complications of peripheral artery disease. She was 73.

Flynn was born Aug. 17, 1940, to George and Ruth Speer in Burlington, Tenn. She graduated from Livermore High School in 1958 and began her career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory shortly after. Starting as a clerk in 1959, Flynn moved up the administrative ranks and became an administrator in 1984.

Former Director George Miller worked with Flynn for the majority of her years at the Lab. As Miller moved up the ladder from a physicist in A-division to associate director of defense systems, Flynn was there with him, providing exemplary administrative support. Miller recalls Flynn as "the ultimate professional -- talented, always interested in learning and having new challenges, organized, calm in the most difficult times, sensitive to the needs and stresses of others, and a wonderful listener, offering good sound advice. Even though she had no children of her own, she was a mother to many. In the very best sense of the word, she was a friend."

Kinnon Ernst, administrative assistant to the director, also has fond memories of Flynn, specifically of her calming and thoughtful counsel, and her willingness to listen. "She was from the pioneering era of the Lab and rode into the modern age with the weapon scientists whose work she so proficiently supported. She was an elegant and striking person and I learned from her and appreciated her listening skill and style."

After a distinguished 38-year career of dedicated service, Flynn retired from the Lab in 1996.

Flynn enjoyed creating works of art in needle-point and knitting. She also enjoyed boating and fishing with her husband of 48 years, Jim. In 2000, they moved to Antioch, Calif. to be closer to the boat they enjoyed together and joined the Bridge Marina Yacht Club. She was the strongest supporter of her husband as he rose through the ranks of Elks over 26 years.

Flynn is survived by her husband, James Flynn; brother, George and (Kazuko) Speer; nieces, Catherine (John) Kreutzer, Tina (Ron) Brown; grandnephew, Collin Brown; sister, Louise Brown; nephews, Scott and Daniel Brown, Berry Brown; great nephew, Scott Brown and great niece, Melissa Greenhouse.

Join the family for Flynn's Celebration of Life, Saturday, Sept. 14, 1-5 p.m. at the Livermore/Pleasanton Elks Lodge, located at 940 Larkspur Drive, Livermore, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Elks Major Project."