~~Mary Ann Finley was born on June 2, 1953, to the union of Louie and Rosie (nee: Golden) Finley, in New Albany, MS.
Mary received her formal education in the Racine Unified School System. After graduating from Park High School, she furthered her education by attending University of Wisconsin – Madison and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Alverno College. Mary was very interested in Iearning about various religious beliefs and was a Universalist. The underlying tenet she believed in and demonstrated was love.
Mary was employed at Alzheimer’s Association as the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. Her professional experience also included: serving as Director of Education at Bradford Community Church in Kenosha, WI, Membership Director/Outreach Specialist for Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Southeast in Racine, WI and Program Director/Ministry Associate at Bethel Bethany Church in Milwaukee, WI.
Mary loved the arts, poetry, public speaking, advocating for youth, working for social justice and serving the community. She enjoyed attending festivals and various community events, she described herself as a “World Citizen.”
Mary was a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people (NAACP).
Mary departed this life on June 21, 2014. She was preceded in death by her father, Louie Finley and step father, William Moore. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving mother, Rosie Moore; brothers, Dewey Wayne (Tanja) Finley and Carl Moore; sisters, Trudy (Maurice Jr.) Thomas and Sonya Moore; nephews and nieces, Carlos Moore, Maurice Thomas III, Ross Finley, Marrica Moore, Mia Moore, Micale Moore, Disheka Moore, Taja Thomas, Curena Moore and Yasheka Moore, as well as a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.
Mary will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, caregiving, resourcefulness, living her life to the fullest and her love for family and friends. Donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, 620 South 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53214.
Diana and Rich Pine says
We were privileged to know Mary through her ministry with Bethel-Bethany UCC. Her infectious laugh preceded her, and her wit and intelligence followed. She was one of a kind.
Christine Golden says
The Family of Ms. Liza L. Golden would like to send their most Deepest Sympathy with the loss of our beloved Mary Ann we will all miss her deeply.
Ricky Martin says
Pamela Ehnert says
I am a friend of Mary’s, meeting her at UU church in Racine.She was always sitting in church when I attended.She extended to me such love and acceptance while our family began our journey with starting a mixed race family.Your family should be so proud of her and I’m sure you all are.Pam Ehnert & family.
Bonnie Beam-Stratz says
I send my prayers and support to Mary’s family. I wish I had more time to learn from Mary’s lifetime experiences. She had much to offer the Alzheimer’s Association and those who live with this disease. She will be missed.
Belinda & Jon Cronin says
My Dear Friend Mary,
So terribly sad to hear and read of your sudden and recent death! Most of all so sorry to not be in town for your celebratory homegoing…we’ve asked our loved ones to make your acquaintance and welcome you with open arms to your new home in the sky! Our families will delight in making you fell quite at home as they roll out the red carpet for your “meet and greet!” Will hold you and fond memories deep with my hear and remember the many wonderful acts of kindness you gave so selflessly to our Racine, WI. community. So deeply glad and lproud to have had the opportunity to know you as a friend Mary.
Our Deepest Love & Hugs Always
Jon & Belinda Cronin
Llegacy Endeavors, LLC.
Belinda J. Cronin says
To My Dear Friend Mary A. Finlely,
You were truly a blessing to my life and all of us who knew yoooooou…thanks so much for sharing all of your gifts with us, we really appreciated your being absolultely 100% REAL. You were truly one of a kind and such a beautiful person. Yes I miss you already and yes, I will carry you always with me deep inside of my heart!
Love & Hugs Girlfiend, may your wallk on the Milky Way be simply delightful as you reconnect with all of those that you have the opportunity to see again for the rest of your days, I’ll see you again too and until then,
Peace, Love, & JOY!
Belinda
Judy Collins says
My sincere condolences to the family. Our friendship spanned 50 yrs.+ She was bright, direct, creative, a wordsmith and most of all a wonderful friend. Thank you for your bright illuminating light and the courage to be a ‘World Citizen’. My dear friend I shall truly miss you.
Trudy says
My sincere condolences to Mary’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. Mary’s loving energy will be felt throughout many communities.
Nancy Meyer says
I had the privilege of Meeting Mary at a Alzheimer’s Assn. event shortly after she joined the Alzheimer’s Assn. It is truly a great loss for the Alzheimer’s Assn. to lose such a special person. My sympathy to family and friends.
James Sampson says
Mary was a kind and generous woman of great spirit and humor. Mary and I were co-workers for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. In the brief time she was with us, she made a great positive impression. We had some laughter-laced talks about music and about social justice including issues around LGBT fairness. My heart aches that we lost Mary too soon without really discovering more of her inner depth that others knew so well.
Cindy Zieroth says
To the family of Mary:
for the brief time I knew Mary, she will be sadly missed. She had a wonderful impact and was a definite asset to the community who serve seniors and specifically those who have Alzheimer’s and/or related dementias. On behalf of Celebre Place and Parkview Gardens, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Take Care, Cindy
Mary Holloway says
To Mary’a family: My friend will be missed terribly! We hadn’t seen each other in over 10 years, but still stayed in touch occasionally. I’m so sorry for our loss as no one could fill her shoes! Much love to the family.