Son's Illness Inspired Former State Rep. To Volunteer

Mary Ellen Flynn has devoted much of her life to volunteering, and it all started when her son got sick.

When Flynn’s son was 18 months old, he had a tumor on his prostate and was having trouble urinating. After being told her son might not live past the age of five, Flynn needed an outlet.

"I was always at home crying," she said.

Her husband, John, saw her pain and told her "to get out of the house" and get involved in something. She started with the PTA in Hartford, where they lived, and then she ran for state representative.

Flynn served one term as state representative in the 1st District in Hartford from 1979 to 1981. Her father raised her to be a Democrat, telling her it was her right to vote and to always support the firefighters and police officers. This lesson would serve her well when she would later serve on the Public Safety Commission in Rocky Hill.

Flynn has given countless hours to the people of Rocky Hill. She served two terms on the Board of Education and three terms on the Town Council.

She said she enjoys "just being around people" and "helping others."

"I enjoyed the personal connection with people," Flynn said.

The mother of two and grandmother of five was the commissioner of Bradley International Airport for 18 years, commissioner of the Hartford Civic Center for 10 years and served as the town marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2007. The town even proclaimed March 17, 2007, "Mary Ellen Flynn Day."

At 78 years old, Flynn has decided to step away from the Town Council and a life of volunteering. She is going to spend more time with her husband and relax. However, there is always a chance she could return to help with another cause.

"How much can you bake? I imagine I will find something else to do."