Mary Margaret Flynn

Following an internship in Santa Clara, Mary Margaret practiced general medicine in Denver. In 1980 she joined the U.S. Army and took a residency in psychiatry. She was stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey, the Presidio in San Francisco and at Fort Polk, Louisiana. 

After an honorable discharge and having attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, she joined the psychiatry department of the Veterans Administration in Menlo Park. Because of her work with severely mentally ill patients, she was never fazed when she came across a troubled or unhoused person on the street. She would greet them politely, perhaps start a pleasant conversation and occasionally they would respond, “Hi, Dr. Flynn!” 

After a brief retirement, Mary Margaret returned to work for the County of San Mateo. At this point well into her sixties herself, she focused on geriatric psychiatry. 

When not working Mary Margaret traveled around the United States in her camper van. One of her goals was to see every national park, which she almost achieved. Her favorite was Yosemite, where she visited every winter. 

Throughout her life, there were two constants: animals and books. Mary Margaret always had a pet, often multiple ones. Many dogs and cats found a loving home with her. She also took an interest in undomesticated animals and frequently donated to animal causes, from the SPCA and Humane Society, to donkey rescue and heifer sponsorships.

When she wasn’t spending time with her animals, she was reading. Mary Margaret read and collected thousands of books on topics ranging from politics to poetry to philosophy. 

In the latter half of her life there was another constant: her partner Lou Guerrieri. She and Lou were together for 32 years, the last 20 of which they lived together in San Carlos.

When Mary Margaret finally retired for good, she continued to stay active, walking her dog, regularly attending St. Charles Catholic Church and taking classes at Stanford Continuing Studies. She kept this up even after Lou died and she moved into the San Carlos Elms until she was finally slowed by a series of health complications. 

She will be remembered for her love of learning and animals, her philanthropy and her devotion to her Catholic faith. 

Mary Margaret is survived by her sister Roberta Ann Uebbing, her niece Mary Frances Ebringer, her nephew-in-law Lawrence Ebringer, her great-nieces Flora and Madeline Ebringer and her cocker spaniel Katie. 

A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, February 20 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 880 Tamarack Avenue, San Carlos.