Margharita La Centra was John Flannagan's common-law wife in the last years of his life (1935-1942). Their 1936 marriage was declared bigamous in a 1944 court decision. Her correspondence with Carl Zigrosser mostly concerns John Flannagan, their life together, his health and mental state, money trouble, the progress of his work, his hospitalizations for a broken leg and recurring brain tumors, and their plans for better times. Zigrosser was upset by Flannagan's alcoholism and unpredictable behavior, but stood by him when he could. Margharita Flannagan's letters are trusting and forthcoming. After 1937, Flannagan was, for the most part, unable to work due to his health problems. Margharita's letters continue to detail teaching prospects, Guggenheim applications, sales and complications with sales, Flannagan's attempts to work, his mental and physical situation, his 1942 suicide and her bereavement. After 1942, her correspondence involves Zigrosser in the process of publishing Flannagan's letters and preparing a memorial exhibit. There is a growing tone of resentment in her letters as the art world clamors over the artist in a way it never did while he was alive. Margharita's letters dwell on Flannagan's suffering at the end of his life and the prices he nearly gave his work away for. These letters alternate with others that speak passionately about Flannagan, his life and his spirit in her life. The later correspondence is sporadic, and mostly consists of friendly updates on her life, the lawsuit against her brought by Grace Flannagan (John Flannagan's legal wife), and promptings to Zigrosser to maintain their friendship. Some letters are addressed to Laura Canadé, an employee of Weyhe Gallery.
