Marianne Deahl Flinn, 89, of Oakland, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, at Peace Healthcare at Dennett Road Manor. Born on October 15, 1935, in Cumberland, she was the daughter of the late Marion and Martha Deahl. Marianne graduated from Moorefield High School and West Virginia University. Passionate about education, she worked as a teacher early in her career and taught private piano lessons for over 55 years, maintaining a full-time teaching schedule until the pandemic led her to retire at the age of 85. Over the years, Marianne shared her love of music and piano with hundreds and cared deeply about her students. Marianne was also a successful businesswoman, having owned and operated Flinn’s Family Store with her husband until 1996, with locations in Oakland, MD, and Petersburg, WV. When she was not teaching or spending time with her family, Marianne enjoyed traveling and visited many places across the world, from Alaska to Australia. She also loved going to see the latest movies at Garrett 8 Cinemas. She found comfort in her faith and was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Marianne was honored to be inducted into the Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame earlier this year. Marianne was incredibly proud of her family. She is survived by her two sons, B. Gene Flinn and wife Joyce of Oakland, and Michael Flinn and wife Jennifer of Cumberland. She was also “Nana” to six grandchildren: Meghan Flinn (Aaron Heishman), Rachel Flinn Knudsen (Aren), William Zimmerman, Jr., Rebecca Flinn, Aidan Flinn, and Liam Flinn, and to three great-grandchildren: Owen, Kasper, and Effie. Marianne, an avid animal-lover, also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Peppermint and Pattie. Marianne was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Gene Flinn. She is also preceded in death by her twin brother, Marion Deahl, and her cherished daughter, Melody Ann Flinn. Marianne lived a life of resilience and hard work, appreciation for art and music, a sense of adventure, and, above all, selfless dedication to her family and students. By instilling these values in her children, grandchildren, and students, her legacy lives on. Marianne’s family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Peace Healthcare at Dennett Road Manor for the dedicated care they provided to Marianne over the last two years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marianne’s honor and memory to Cindy’s Fund, the Southern Garrett Rescue Squad, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Friends will be received on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM, at the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., 21 N. Second St., Oakland. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10 AM in the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 318 East Oak St. Oakland, with Pastor Jim Martin officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.
