A note from the Tournament Director:
I know that we have this special event every year in memory of Melinda, and it will remain that way as long as this event continues to run. However, I would like to honor someone else this year as well, and I think Melinda would be more than happy to “share”, and make sure that we honor this amazing woman as well.
Karen Flanagan was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, mentor and friend. Sadly, Karen passed away after a valiant battle with breast cancer on November 9, 2009. She was an ambassador to the game of soccer and we would like to honor her memory this year at the Kick for the Cure. It only seems fitting that we remember her by doing something that she loved most, being involved in the game of soccer.
I met Karen this summer at Region III ODP camp where I was a regional administrator for a couple of weeks. It took no time at all to get to know her and realize that she meant business! In her fun but professional manner, she made sure that we did our jobs and did them right (even details such as making the signs for the dorms and making sure we used enough markers to make them bright and colorful :). She earned immediate respect from anyone that met her, was one of the hardest workers that I’ve seen, but was also the first to say, “Girls, you’ve done enough, now go out and have some fun”. There are many people here in Arkansas that loved her dearly and have worked with her in some capacity over the years. I know they would like to remember her through this event as well.
Below is how her family and friends would like her to be remembered. I took this from the Dallas Morning News on November 11, 2009.
Flanagan, Karen Quesenberry Beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother and Grandmother Karen Quesenberry Flanagan went to be with her Lord and Savior in heaven on November 9, 2009 after a valiant battle against breast cancer.
Born January 17, 1949 in Paris, Texas, to A.K. "Quizzy" and Celia Quesenberry, she was affectionately known as "Mimi" by her grandchildren. Upon graduating from South Garland High School 6, she married her High School sweetheart Mike Flanagan in 1967. Together, they raised three boys. All who knew her, understood and admired the fierce love she had for her family, never wavering from her commitment to their happiness and successes. She completely and selflessly gave them everything they needed in life. When their children were young, Karen and Mike helped foster their love for soccer. It wasn't long before their family grew, as there were many everlasting friendships that developed because of a game that gave the Flanagan's so much joy.
Throughout the years, Karen was an ambassador for youth soccer in the Dallas area. She served as a longtime NTSSA board member, US Youth Soccer Region III Girls ODP Chairperson, was a member of the Region III ODP staff, and a 25 year volunteer for the Dallas Cup Executive Committee. She also served as a Lake Highlands board member from 1986-2005. Throughout her battle she continued her efforts on behalf of soccer, most notably in her work with US Youth Soccer and North Texas Soccer Olympic Development Programs. Besides her time spent on the pitch, one of her greatest pleasures in life was doting on and spending time with her grandchildren Brecklyn, Beckham, Bevan and Aiden. Whether it was baking in the kitchen, spending her Gymboree Bucks, attending cheerleading competitions and Christmas concerts or just cradling her angels in her arms, Mimi was arguably the best grandmother ever. Karen also loved to travel and did so often through soccer and family trips.
Karen was employed by internal Medicine Associates of Dallas as a business manager. She is preceded in death by her father A.K. "Quizzy" Quesenberry and her grandson Beckham Montgomery Flanagan. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Mike Flanagan; her sons Brian and wife Marsha, Brad and wife Laura and Blake; her grandchildren, Brecklyn, Bevan and Alden, her mother Celia, her brothers Kevin and Kenny, as well as many friends and relatives. The family asks that In lieu of flowers that donations be made in her name to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
A memorial service was held at Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. We would also like to offer our sincere gratitude to the doctors and staff at Baylor Hospital of Dallas for their continued support over the last three years. Karen, we have all marveled at your courage along this journey. You have touched so many lives with your spirit and we will greatly miss your beautiful smile. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And may rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God keep you in the hallow of his hand.
