Jaclyn (Albi) Flaherty

Jaclyn Albi Flaherty – Age 100, of Rockville, Maryland, began her journey home to the Lord on October 20, 2023. “Jackie” was born June 29, 1923 in Spokane, Washington to Joseph and Mazie Albi. Jackie graduated from Holy Names Academy (Spokane, Wash.), continued her education at Washington State University (Pullman, Wash.) before earning a Master’s of Physical Education from Smith College (Boston, Mass.). She became a Chi Omega member while studying at Washington State and she was recently celebrated by the community as an 81-year member.

Jackie taught Physical Education at UCLA until she met a handsome, curly haired Naval Officer in a yellow sweater. She married this young Officer, Edward Maurice “Ned” Flaherty, in 1952 and they went on to raise seven children. Jackie put down her golf clubs to raise her seven kids taking up tennis and skiing for the second half of her sporting life. She played and coached tennis at Flower Valley Bath & Raquet Club for nearly half a century. 

Ned and Jackie were founding parishioners of St. Patrick’s and were key contributors to the founding of the grade school and church bell tower. Jackie taught CCD for 44 years and took on the mission of teaching the Ten Commandments to fourth graders, with a special attention on the 11th – making your bed to get to Heaven.

Ned and Jackie moved the family around the country during his naval service until his final transfer to Bethesda where they made their home for 55 years in Rockville. The couple enjoyed thousands of swim meets and various activities of their kids and grandkids throughout the years. Jackie attended the March for Life on Washington in 1972 and 40 times over the decades since. 

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, husband Edward M Flaherty and son Edward M Flaherty II. She is survived by six children: Tama Todd, Joe Flaherty, Mara (Jerry) Heppes, Sharon (Matt) Jarosz, Sheila (John) Stepek, Sean (Kim) Flaherty, 22 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, plus many other relatives and dear friends. 
Visitation will be on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 11:30 am until 12:30 PM at St  Mary’s Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville MD 20852, with Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM  Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

“See ya when I’m lucky.” ~Jackie

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to

(1) Women’s Care Center, 1441 N Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 https://supportwomenscarecenter.org/locations/milwaukee/

(2) SBA Pro-Life America Education Fund, https://www.secure.lozierinstitute.org/jaclyn

(3) Memory Care Staff at The Seneca Rockville, 55 West Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, Venmo: @Kim-Flaherty-8, https://www.senecarockville.com/