Obituaries

Anita Joan (Mayer) Flynn, age 92, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away on August 21, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Sault. She was born on March 28, 1933, in Dryburg, Michigan, to Rosario and Bernadette (Godin) Mayer.

Anita was raised in Dryburg. Her family farmed and she began her education in a one-room schoolhouse. She continued her education at Loretta High School in Sault Ste Marie graduating in 1951. After a year at home with her family, she joined the convent as a Loretto Sister taking the name Sister Mary Camille. She continued her education at DePaul University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching. Anita was dedicated to the Lord and to teaching. She taught many places across the United States and Canada.

In 1982, Anita met Paul at a retreat and her life took on a new course. The couple married on Dec 20th, 1982, sharing many wonderful years together. At Paul’s passing, Anita moved in with her sister Beatrice on Sugar Island. As devoted Catholics, Anita and Beatrice made a pilgrimage daily to the “mainland” for Mass.

Anita’s smile was infectious, her energy unyielding and her passion for Catholic education was lifelong. An example of this being in 1993, at the age of 60, she spearheaded the reopening of St. Mary’s School in Sault Ste Marie. St Mary’s had been closed for twenty-two years. She developed policies for the school which they still use today.

Anita was an artist, and she saw the world through the eyes of an artist, always noticing and exclaiming about the beauty around her. She enjoyed painting, carving and pottery. She also enjoyed reading and was an active member of Toastmasters. Anita loved to tell stories about her life and she was always eager to encourage and inspire others.

Anita is survived by her step-children, Michael Shane Flynn and Lisa Ann Flynn; grandchildren, Josh Maxwell, Grant Flynn, Gabriel Flynn, Grayden Flynn; sister, Beatrice Schlapkohl; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Anita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; parents, Rosario and Bernadette; step-daughters, Michelle Flynn and Kathleen Flynn; daughter in law, Julie Flynn; brothers, Damien Mayer, Alphege Mayer, Eugene Mayer, Louie Mayer, and Rene Mayer; as well as siblings who died in childhood, Little Eugene, Anita Angeline, and Joseph.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11497 W. H-40, Rudyard, MI 49780. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations could be made in her honor to St. Mary's School, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Giving - St. Mary's Catholic School - Sault Ste Marie, MI.

Anita’s final resting place will be at the North Rudyard Cemetery in Rudyard.