Doreen Lee Flinn

Princeton - Doreen Flinn was born on February 24, 1936, in Dover, Illinois, to John and Margaret Conant. Doreen passed away peacefully on August 14, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Flinn, her parents, and sister Jacquelyn (Dennis) Morrasy. She is survived by her son Jeff (Michelle) Flinn of Prescott, Arizona, her daughter Karen (Dave) Abele of Sterling, Illinois, five grandchildren: Rachel, Michael, Kathleen, Nicholas, and Jonathan, two great grandchildren: Eliza and Cary Jo, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved rescue dog Zebu. Doreen had an adventurous childhood, moving from town to town each year with her parents who owned a traveling roller-skating rink. As a result, Doreen started roller skating at only two years old. Her mother would play the organ in the middle of the rink while Doreen and her sister Jackie skated and laughed. Due to this somewhat unusual upbringing, she had the opportunity to meet many new people and made friends easily. Her sense of humor, kindness, and fun-loving nature drew others to her. She graduated from Princeton High School in 1954. In 1958, she graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. On August 9, 1958, Doreen married Lewis Flinn, her high school sweetheart, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Princeton. They celebrated 62 loving years together before his passing. Doreen began her career as an English teacher at Huntley High School. She also taught at Crystal Lake High School and Marquette High School (Ottawa, Illinois), before returning to Princeton. Doreen taught English at Princeton High School for twenty-four years before retiring. Over the years, many of her former students have contacted her to express their appreciation for her teaching style and the writing skills she helped them develop. Above all else, Doreen cherished her children and grandchildren. As a mother and grandmother, Doreen was nurturing and selfless, applying her natural teaching skills to impart countless words of wisdom. In addition, as a literature teacher and voracious reader, Doreen passed her love of books down to her children and grandchildren. She was also a talented cook and baker and would often gather her family for wonderful homemade meals. However, she was also quite fond of family picnics in the park eating Rip's chicken and Torri's ice cream. Doreen took pleasure in spending time with her numerous friends and extended family. Whether hosting a barbecue with her husband, attending book club, or chatting with her former coworkers over coffee, she loved keeping in touch with those closest to her. Throughout her life, Doreen demonstrated compassion, strength, and resilience. Her warm smile, sharp wit, and optimistic attitude inspired those around her. In times of hardship, Doreen would support her family, assuring them that "this too shall pass." If she could, she would share this adage with those who are currently mourning her loss. Yet for those of us whose lives have been touched by Doreen, that sorrow will not soon fade, but our treasured memories of her will live on in stories passed down from generation to generation. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Princeton High School or donors' choice in Doreen's name. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments. Services to follow at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022, Officiated by Pastor Ryan Sutton at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments. Private graveside services to be held at a later date and time. Online condolences and memorials may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Doreen Lee Flinn

February 24, 1936 - August 14, 2022