Frances M. Finnegan, 94, known as Frankie to her family and friends, passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 10, 2012. She was born February 7, 1918 to Frank and Bertha Spaulding in Brewster, Washington.
Frankie moved to Helena when she was 18 to live with her aunt and uncle and two cousins. She worked at Jorud Photo Shop where she learned the art of coloring photographs before the advent of color film. She made many livelong friends there and also during that time she met Floyd T. Finnegan whom she married on November 12, 1942, very nearly 70 years of matrimony. During the 1960’s she worked as the office manager for Ole Sather at Pioneer Mutual Insurance, which gave her the chance to shine as a capable assistant to the salesmen there; they also became close friends.
Frankie was extremely involved in the Helena community during her lifetime. She gave countless hours to the Episcopal Church and to the Lewis and Clark Cancer Committee, a local charity that was near and dear to her heart. She dedicated many years to keeping track of the many memorials that were given to benefit the local hospitals’ equipment used in the fight against cancer. She loved to cook and entertain family and friends. She used her extensive collection of cookbooks to aid her in creating memorable dishes. Frankie, a talented knitter, created many beautiful items, such as sweaters and scarves for others. Playing Bridge was one of her favorite pastimes, so she belonged to a weekly club for many years.
Frankie is survived by her devoted husband Floyd T. Finnegan, daughter, Colleen Kesterson (Wes) of the Swan Valley, Turf (Dixie) Finnegan of Helena; granddaughters, Jennifer (Seth) Carlson, Ashley (Scott) Eichhorn of Helena, and Charleen Kesterson of Missoula; and great grandsons, Joseph Moderie and Reece Sickels of Missoula; also by her special, beloved cousins, Raymond Cumming of Palo Alto, California and Don Cumming of Issaquah, Washington. Preceding Frankie in death were her parents; infant son, Tod; brothers, Jessie, Robert and Glen Spaulding; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
If desired, memorials may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Aspen Gardens for their special care and kindness during Frankie’s stay there.
The funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 14 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N Park Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will take place at the Montana State Veterans’ Cemetery, Fort Harrison after the reception. To offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Frankie, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 14, 2012
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Wednesday November 14, 2012
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 14, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison
Heros Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 14, 2012
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Wednesday November 14, 2012
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 14, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison
Heros Road
Helena, Montana 59636
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Doug Cumming says
Floyd, Colleen and Turf – I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Frankie. May the good lord provide you all with peace and comfort and help you to remember all the good times you all had over the years. I have nothing but fondness when I think of Frankie; she was a wonderful person and a shining light and is a big reason why I have such great memories of my times visiting Montana. Love and prayers, Doug Cumming.
Mary Smith says
Frankie was a special friend of mine all the years I lived in Montana and I kept in touch with her all the years since. She will be missed.