Sandra "Chuch" (Yankowski) Flynn, 60, of Pittston, passed away Monday, December 7, 2009, at Hospice Community Care, Dunmore. She was born in Old Forge March 12, 1949, and was a daughter of the late Mathew Joseph and Ethel (Rominski) Yankowski. Sandy was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. She was a 1967 graduate of Old Forge High School. Sandy worked for the U.S. Map Service, Washington, D.C., and worked 38 years for Emery Worldwide/UPS, Dunmore. Sandy "Chuch" Flynn was an accomplished, talented, bright and inspiring woman. She traveled extensively across Europe for both business and pleasure, and took every opportunity to make her world 'bigger' by continually reaching for experiences that would allow her to better know and understand the world around her. She was an award-winning Equestrian rider, a sport that requires skill, patience, finesse and a genuine love and respect for horses. At 51 years of age, Chuch won a gold medal in a fitness competition sponsored by Muscle Mag. This award reflected her commitment to exercise and wellness. Chuch was spontaneous and embraced new experiences. Always "good to go," she eagerly joined her husband in search of new adventures. Chuch was step-mother to three children, Pat, Shaun and Ryan, and step-grandmother to three grandchildren. She never wavered in her love and devotion to her family and embodied all of the qualities of a fine mother. Chuch fully embraced the life given to her. Evidence of her passion for living was her tenacious spirit and her sheer ability to hold on to life in spite of cancer. Those who knew her, including her doctors and nurses, were astounded by the way she took fierce hold of her life in the face of a dire prognosis. Sandy lived far beyond what was expected and was living proof of the power of the 'will' to live. Sandy is survived by her husband of 13 years, Patrick Flynn; step-sons Patrick Jr. and wife Teri, of West Pittston; Shaun and his wife, Amber, of West Pittston; and Ryan, of Pittston; her sister, Marie Pollock, of Scranton; step-grandchildren Michalene Flynn, Regan Flynn and Collin Flynn. She is also survived by her nephew, Andrew Pollock, and nieces Carol Graham, Diane McGoff, Deborah Kopko and Laurie Mikels. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 8:45a.m. from the Kiesinger Funeral Services, 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. The Rev. Msgr. John J. Bendik will officiate. Friends may call Wednesday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Online condolences may be made to www.kiesingerfuneralservices.com .