Mary Ellen Finnan

Mary Ellen (Kessen) Finnan, 90, of Sycamore, IL passed away Monday, August 20, 2018 at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore surrounded by her family.  She was born on March 12, 1928 in Pana, IL to John and Mary (Tingle) Kessen.  On July 31, 1948 she married William J. Finnan at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb and they just celebrated their 70 ^th wedding anniversary on July 31, 2018.

In the early years Mary worked at General Electric and was an active member of the "Genedec's" club throughout her life.  Mary was a full time homemaker to her four children.  She also went on to work as a waitress for many years.  She retired from NIU working in food service at a dormitory.

Mary was an avid bowler, die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, she enjoyed slot machines, loved to travel, and especially loved to spend time with her family.  She was an active participant in her grandchildren's lives.  She was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb.  She will be remembered for her loving kindness, caring spirit and gentle heart.

Survivors include; husband; William, her four children; Pamela McMurtrey of Glendale, AZ, James W. (Kristi) Finnan of Rockford, IL, Roger (Shannon) Finnan of DeKalb, and Jon "JJ" (Sherrie) Finnan of Maple Park, IL; Ten grandchildren, Brian Finnan of Glendale, AZ, Shelly (Andy) Kent of Avondale, AZ, Carla Simons of Sycamore, Andrea (Tim) Sheahan of Sycamore, William "Jamie" (Aubrey Lincoln) Finnan of Phoenix, AZ, Zachary Finnan of DeKalb, Luke Finnan of DeKalb, Logan Weaver of DeKalb, Michael Finnan of Maple Park, IL Nikki (Will) Schmidt of Sycamore and Lindsey (TJ) Weiss of Maple Park, as well as 11 great grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren.  Mary is also survived by her sister Louise Olson, brothers Robert Kessen and Richard Kessen, sister-in-law's Kathleen Lindenmeyer, Susan Davenport and Sandra Finnan, and brother-in-law Duke Davenport.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers James, Thomas, David, and Gene, sister-in-law's Helen Kessen, Mary Ruth Thuestad, Harriet Finnan, Linda Kessen, and brother-in-law's Al Olson, Frances Finnan and Thomas Finnan.

The family would like to thank the staff at Kishwaukee Hospital, Kindred Hospital, Dr. R. Patel & Dr. Chang of the DeKalb Clinic, and the staff of the Grand Victorian.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb with Father Dean Russell officiating. Burial will be immediately following the Mass at St. Mary Cemetery in DeKalb.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb with a Wake Service at 7:00pm and again Friday August 24, 2018 at St. Mary Church at 9:30am until the time of service.  Due to the Corn Festival preparations downtown DeKalb the parking for the visitation Thursday evening will be east of the funeral home provided by Delano's Home Decorating.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.