MINOT — Kay L. Flanagan, 64, of Minot passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 22, at her home.

Kay touched the life of everyone she met with her light, her warmth and her joy; she will be missed greatly.

She was born in Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 2, 1947, daughter of the late Lewis and Alice Puryear. She was a longtime resident of Hermosa Beach, Calif., and was employed as a speech therapist in the Los Angeles County Unified School District until her retirement in 2006.

She loved the great outdoors, especially her annual camping and hiking trips to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks in California. She loved to travel and began coming to Maine to visit family in 1971; in 2008 she ultimately fulfilled her lifelong dream to retire here.

She was an active member of the loving congregation at the United Methodist Church of Auburn. Second only to her love for people was her love for animals, especially dogs and cats; she frequently adopted rescues and strays.

She is survived by a son, Chris and his wife, Sarah, of Allen, Texas; two grandchildren, Aidan and Brendan; a brother, Ken Puryear and wife, Donna, of Bremerton, Wash.; a niece, Lisa Puryear, of Fair Haven, N.J.; and a nephew, Tim Puryear, of Boise, Idaho.

Chris also wishes to recognize Kay’s extended family in Maine, who meant so much to her: Doug Flanagan of Falmouth; Cheryl Washburn and sons, Tim and Kevin, of Gray; Joe and Maureen Poisson, sons, Brett and Ross and their families, of Jay; John Poisson, sons Jarrett and Travis, and their families, of Auburn; and Henry Poisson of Turner.

You are invited to share your condolences with the Flanagan family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.