SINSINAWA — Sister Flannan McGuane, OP, died Oct. 28, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa. Natural burial took place Nov. 2 in the Motherhouse Cemetery. The funeral Mass was held at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Nov. 10.
Sister Flannan made her first religious profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1957, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1960. She served as culinary artist at the Dominican Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, 1957-1958, and at Edgewood Convent of the Sacred Heart, Madison, Wis., 1958-1960. Sister Flannan then managed the Motherhouse kitchen and bakery from 1960 to 2003, guiding novices, sisters, and employees to feed the masses who resided at and visited Sinsinawa Mound.
Youth learned the value of working hard and being a member of a team. Sister Flannan was known for her Irish lilt, generous spirit, and creating Mound cinnamon bread, which is now a favorite of the Sisters, guests and people around the country. She joined the community at St. Dominic Villa in 2011. Sister Flannan was born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, Feb. 26, 1933, the daughter of John and Margaret (Kelly) McGuane. Her parents; two sisters, Mary McGuane and Teresa McGuane; and two brothers, John McGuane and Michael McGuane, preceded her in death. She is survived by two sisters, Catherine “Kathleen” Brady, Eileen O’Donoghue, and Monica McGuane; a brother, Joseph McGuane; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 63 years.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org/donate
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Flannan are available online at www.Sinsinawa.org/live Click on the “on demand” tab.