Julie Ann Flynn

Julie Ann Flynn (Milligan), of Gilbert, Arizona, born February 6, 1944, in Chicago, IL. passed on to God on September 15, 2026, in Gilbert, Arizona, surrounded by the family and friends who meant so much to her.

Julie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy was found in the people—and dogs—she loved.

Julie and her husband, James Edward Flynn, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on August 24, 2026. Together they built a life and raised a family that eventually stretched across generations and across the country. In 1982, Julie and James moved their family from Hometown, Illinois, to Arizona, where they made their home for more than four decades.

Julie was feisty, fiercely protective of her family, and—as those who knew her best would readily admit—stubborn as a mule. Her children often joked that they inherited Mom’s patience and Dad’s temper. Julie could be her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest critic, but there was never any question that she was also their biggest cheerleader.

She took tremendous pride in her family and in the lives her children and grandchildren built for themselves. Whatever they were pursuing, Mom and Grandma was paying attention, cheering them on, celebrating their accomplishments, and probably offering an opinion or two along the way. She was proud of each of them and loved watching them find their own paths in life. To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Doe” and “Oma,” names that will forever carry with them the love, encouragement, and unmistakable personality she brought into their lives.

Julie was the life of the party, although she somehow managed to make the party about everyone except herself. Nowhere was that more evident than at her legendary Christmas Eve parties. Each Christmas Eve, Julie welcomed 30 to 50 people into the Flynn home, bringing together generations of family, friends, neighbors, and others who had simply become part of the family over the years. The gathering seemed to grow every year, and Julie made certain everyone who attended felt that they belonged. For countless people, Christmas Eve at Julie’s wasn’t simply a party; it became part of Christmas.

Julie found some of her greatest fulfillment working with dogs. An avid Golden Retriever lover, she spent years raising and training English Goldens and sharing their companionship with others. Her dogs participated in hospice therapy work with Hospice of the Valley Lund Home, bringing comfort and joy to people during some of life’s most difficult moments. She also poured that love into Woody’s Hideaway, her dog-boarding business, where the dogs entrusted to her care were treated like members of the family. For Julie, it was far more than a business—it was an extension of who she was.

Julie was also a loyal sports fan who loved her Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs and, after making Arizona home, the Arizona Cardinals and Diamondbacks. Winning seasons were appreciated but apparently never required for her loyalty.

Perhaps the clearest measure of Julie’s life came during her final days. When she transitioned to hospice care, approximately 20 family members and friends filled her hospital room and spilled into the hallway just to be near her. Over the following days, dozens more came to her home to sit beside her, hold her hand, share memories, and say goodbye. In all, more than 50 people came to see Julie during those final days.

Julie spent years bringing comfort and companionship to others, including through hospice therapy with her beloved Goldens. In her own final days, that love came full circle as family and friends arrived by the dozens simply to be near her.

Julie spent a lifetime showing up for other people, and when the time came, they showed up for her.

Julie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Patty Flynn, and her parents, Claude and Julia Milligan.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Edward Flynn; her children, Carrie Flynn of Peoria, Illinois; David Flynn and his wife, Stacey, of Mesa, Arizona; Kathy Wilson and her husband, Rick, of Mesa, Arizona; and Eric Flynn and his wife, Christine, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shea Barcomb and her husband, Corey; Brenna Barker and her husband, Grant; Cassie Nelson and her husband, Noah; Ryan Flynn; Kira Flynn; Haydan Flynn; Nadyah Flynn; Cory Flynn; James Corkill; Shane Gerbracht, and Tyler LeFevre; as well as her siblings, Patrick Milligan, Claudia Milligan, Bob Milligan, and Maureen Milligan.

Julie leaves behind a family that adored her, generations of memories, Christmas Eve stories that will be told for years to come, and countless people whose lives were better because she was part of them.

For family and friends reading this, be on the lookout for a Celebration of Life event to celebrate Julie and her love for Christmas Eve in December 2026!