Elizabeth "Mickey" Nora (O’Flaherty) Nordell, 72, died Monday, March 2, 2020, of cancer.
Elizabeth was born in Winsted on August 16, 1947, daughter of the late Martin and Julia (Murphy) O’Flaherty Sr. She grew up in New Hartford, graduated from Northwestern Regional H.S. No.7, and worked for Security Insurance in Hartford. She later worked in various travel companies and finished her career at American Express in Hartford. She moved to Bloomfield after meeting the love of her life, Arthur C. Nordell. She and Art enjoyed international travel for 26 years until his death in 2003. Since then, Mickey traveled domestically with Audubon; she led a spring warbler walk in Barkhamsted the last few years for Hartford Audubon. In 2014, Mickey relocated to Winsted to help care for her late brother-in-law, Harold “Skip” Decker. She was certified by DEEP as a Master Wildlife Conservationist and enjoyed the opportunities this program availed. She was active for five years with the FRCC River Steward program. Mickey was a member of FALPS (Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests) from its inception and once received their Volunteer of the Year Award. Mickey was involved in other environmental and birding organizations.
She is survived by her favorite sister and constant companion Virginia “Gina” Decker of Winsted, and by siblings Sheila O’Flaherty of Jackson, Mississippi, and Thomas (Anna) O’Flaherty of Urbana, Illinois, and nephews Dylan and Neal O’Flaherty. She is also survived by her husband’s family Don (Joan) Nordell, Marilyn (Tim) Thibodeau, Alan (Lee Fitzgerald) Nordell, and grandchildren that Mickey and Art held dear to their hearts: Charles, Debra, Michael, Lynn, Tracy, and Steven, and several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by three siblings: Mary, Margaret, and Martin Jr. “Elf”.
At Mickey’s request, there will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Susan B. Anthony Project, 179 Water Street, Torrington CT 06790
