Marilyn Sue Kuwahara Flanagan - Aug. 18, 1955  -  July 10, 2010

Marilyn Sue Kuwahara Flanagan, 54, died peacefully Saturday, July 10, 2010, at home with her family and friends by her side.

Marilyn was born Aug. 18, 1955, to Harry and Yukie Kuwahara.

Marilyn grew up in Vale, Ore. As a young girl, she worked on her father’s farm with her three sisters. At 14, she began working at Quisenberry’s Department Store to pay for her own education. She was a graduate of Vale Union School in 1973. Marilyn went on to attend Northwestern College of Business and the University of Oregon, where she received a degree in business administration and marketing.

In 1985, Marilyn moved to Alaska to be with her long time boyfriend, Patrick Flanagan. They were married in 1987. Together they raised twin daughters and a son.

Marilyn worked at Duty Free Alaska for the International Airport for nearly 20 years.

In 2007, Marilyn moved to Fruitland, Idaho, with her husband, to be near her family and friends. In November 2009, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Marilyn loved to fish, camp, work in the garden, and enjoyed outdoor activities.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Patrick Flanagan, of Fruitland, Idaho; daughters, Jennifer Flanagan and Christie Flanagan; and son, John Flanagan, of Anchorage Alaska; mother, Yukie Kuwahara, of Hawaii; sisters, Laurie Kanenshiro, of Hawaii, Christine Slosek, of California, and Gayle Burgard, of France.

At Marilyn’s request, no public service is planned. She asked that any donations be sent to the Marilyn S. Flanagan Memorial, St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) Fruitland, Clinic, 1118 N.W. Street, Suite D. Fruitland, ID 83619.

Marilyn will be forever loved.

Arrangements are under the direction of Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel Payette, Ontario.