OBITUARY: Margaret Cecilia Flanigen Carden

Margaret Cecilia Flanigen Carden, the epitome of Southern grace and strength, passed away peacefully at home on September 16, 2024 at the age of 95.

A woman of profound faith, fierce wit, and intense dedication to family, she was adored by her three children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A proud third generation Nashvillian with strong Irish Catholic roots, Margaret, nicknamed “Rose” after her grandmother, saw the city transform from a small southern town to a booming metropolis. She was the third of the five Flanigen siblings and attended Christ the King School, where she was chosen to escort First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on her visit to Nashville in 1938. She went on to graduate from St. Bernard Academy. At Vanderbilt University, she studied education and mathematics and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. After graduation, she taught 5th Grade at Holy Name Catholic School. We can only marvel at the young lives she touched with her grace, intelligence, and discipline.

When her younger brother, George Flanigen, brought one of his Navy buddies home to their family farm in Franklin, Margaret knew her single days were over. She married Jerry Carden in 1957 at St. Philip Church, the start of 57 beautiful years together. The two shared devotion to the Catholic faith, conservative politics, and Dixieland jazz.

She is survived by her three loving children: Matthew (Kerry) Carden of Nashville, Amy (Chris) Conlan of Bethesda, MD and Elizabeth (Clay) Phillips of Nashville and special nephew. Also survived by nine grandchildren: Alison Carden, Erin Carden, John Carden, Mark Carden, Christopher Conlan, Caroline Conlan, Michael Conlan, Margaret Flanigen Phillips, Cecilia Phillips, great-grandson Christopher Conlan of Fort Mill, SC, and her special Cahalan, Carden and Flanigen nieces and nephews.

Margaret was a member of the Centennial Club of Nashville, the Heritage Foundation, and served as secretary of Delta Delta Delta Alumnae Association and the Nashville Vanderbilt Club. She was president of the Ladies of Charity of Nashville and was on the board of the Association of Ladies of Charity of the U.S. She served on the parish board of the Cathedral of the Incarnation and on the board of the Visiting Nurses Association and Nashville Right to Life for many years.

As the years took their toll on her body, her mind refused to acquiesce, and she remained one of the sharpest, kindest, and most generous of souls. She enjoyed visiting with her many friends of all ages, especially while enjoying her nightly Bourbon cocktail.

She leaves a beautiful legacy of dedication to faith, family, and country. Margaret was at complete peace with God’s will for her life and found beauty and joy in every day. She firmly believed the secret to a long and happy life was faith in God, lots of coffee, Nicorette gum, Jim Beam, and a daily nap.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Deepinder Bal and his staff, Patrick Smith, all the ladies who took such good care of her at home, and special friends Jonathan and Casey Thomaston.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave. on Monday, September 23 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will take place before the Mass at 1 p.m. in the Church. Pall Bearers are Margaret’s grandsons and sons-in-law. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn

In lieu of flowers, please offer a prayer in thanksgiving for a life well lived. Any donations can be made to MulierCare muliercare.org or the Dominican Campus 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

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