Colleen A. Flaherty, 34, of Milton, a customer service representative and animal lover, died at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Born in Fort Kent, Maine, she lived in Milton for many years, attending Milton schools and Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton.
In her work life, Miss Flaherty had been a customer service representative with The First Years Co. but many people knew her as a caregiver. She quietly and generously gave of her time volunteering to help her neighbors and help care for the homeless pets at the Milton Animal Shelter.
Within her caring and quiet nature, however, was an adventurous spirit that embraced some of the more exciting things in life. While she loved caring for animals, she also thoroughly enjoyed skydiving, bungee jumping and dirt-bike racing.
Miss Flaherty will be missed but her compassion for others will live on. Consistent with the way she lived her life, her organs were donated to help others and because of this, a 19-year-old woman has been given the chance to breathe free again.
Daughter of the late Joseph F. Flaherty and Linda A. Flaherty, she is survived by her “Nana,” June A. Kennedy, with whom she lived; a brother, James Copell, and a sister, Maria Copell, both of New Jersey.
A memorial service was held in St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Aug. 29.
Donations may be made to Milton Animal League, 181 Governor Stoughton Lane, Milton, MA 02186.