Shirley "Mema" Flinn (nee Ridgeway), age 77 of Highland, IL, born February 6, 1947 in East St. Louis, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024 surrounded by her family.

After raising her three daughters, Shirley went back to school and earned a BS in Elementary Education.  She was a retired elementary teacher from Cahokia School District. After retirement, she was a volunteer for many local organizations.  She delivered Meals on Wheels and she taught various activities at local skilled nursing facilities.  She was the president of the Jarvis Township Senior Center, where she organized, helped prepare and served many meals to local seniors.  She also enjoyed taking trips with her senior group. She had a heart of gold and always helped those that she could.

Shirley loved her family and hosted family dinners every Sunday afternoon. She enjoyed baking for family, friends and local businesses.  If you were ever a recipient of "Mema's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies" or brownies, consider yourself lucky, they are delicious.  She was loved by so many and will be truly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laverne and Thelma (Nee Moussette) Ridgeway; three brothers and two sisters.

Surviving are her three daughters, Sharon (Rob) Simons, Kelly (Gary) Simpson, and Lori (Garon) Power; seven grandchildren: Rachel (Michael) Klotz, Sarah (Hunter) Munie, Abby (Marco Garcia) Creek, Aaron (Amanda Villar) Creek, Jacob (Marie Foerster) Simpson, Kelly Simons and Ryan Simons; four great-grandchildren: Violet Creek, Reagan Munie, Henry Klotz and Logan Creek; and dear friends, Kent and Donna Winter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Memorials are suggested to Jarvis Township Senior Center, 409 Collinsville Road, Troy, IL 62294