Sutton – Julie Anne (Benson) Flynn, 43, wife of Joseph P. Flynn passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at her home surrounded in the comfort and care of her family and friends. Born in Worcester, Julie was the daughter of the late Lt. Kenneth B. Benson and Patricia Anne (Caldwell) Benson. She was a graduate of Grafton Memorial High School, Class of 1992 and received her BS in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College. In her pursuit of an occupation in her chosen field of criminal justice, Julie worked in the Office of Worcester District attorney Joseph Early, Jr., and then moved to a teaching position at the Worcester Correctional Institute. During this time, she continued her education and graduated from Assumption College with a Masters in Counseling. For the past 10 years, Julie has been a highly regarded, respected, and cherished employee of the Grafton Public Schools working as a school adjustment counselor. One of her proudest accomplishments was the implementation of “Finding Kind”, a nationwide program to promote healthy relationships among adolescent girls.
For many, these would seem to be significant accomplishments in anyone’s life but Julie was different. As a young girl, she began the challenge of living with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome. She faced these challenges with the same characteristics that caused her to be loved by so many. Julie simply did not let anything get in her way of giving to all she knew. Hope was Julie’s continual driving force which allowed her to treat her illness as a minor hindrance. For everyone that had the privileged of meeting Julie, you came away from that opportunity knowing your life was better for having known her regardless of how fleeting or how long. She brought sunshine and brightness to every situation she faced. Julie’s positive outlook, caring demeanor, and very big smile will be missed but also forever cherished.
Julie is survived by her husband Joseph P. Flynn of Sutton, her sister Amy (Benson) Dunn and husband Shane and their children with whom she had a very special and valued relationship Colleen, Katelyn, and Brady Dunn all of Grafton, 3 daughters Brenna Flynn of Hanover, Callen (Flynn) Pacier and her husband Gage of Grafton, Merris Flynn of Northbridge, her father-in-law John “Jack” Flynn of North Oxford and her maternal Grandmother, Grammie Pat (Margaret) Caldwell, and just over a year ago, Julie became known as Ju Ju to her granddaughter, Lily Pacier. She is also survived by Alison Benson of Boston and Kenneth L. Benson of Grafton. In addition, Julie is survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins and her countless wonderful friends.
Julie’s family and friends are invited to a Celebration of her Life on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church, Waterville Street, North Grafton at 11 am. Immediately following the service, she will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery, South Grafton alongside her parents. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4-8 pm at the Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester Street, North Grafton. As Julie loved Tulips and their bright, vibrant colors, please feel free to send flowers. If you wish to make a contribution to VHL, the Flynn Family and the VHL Alliance have created the Julie Flynn Young Adult Scholarship Fund. This will help young adults with VHL to travel to various support and educational meetings and conferences held by the VHL Alliance. The hope is to have this be a fund that will continue to pay tribute to Julie, as well as to empower young adults and allowing them to come together for community, for many years to come. To donate to this fund, please visit vhl.org/donate and mention Julie in the dedication field. Or, if you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to the VHL Alliance, 1208 VFW Pkwy, Suite 303, Boston, MA 02132 and mention Julie.
Should you wish to send a message or sign the funeral home online memorial book, please visit www.roneyfuneralhome.com.