AUGUSTA – Catherine Virginia Brady Finnegan, 89, died Sept. 1, 2006, in Damariscotta. Catherine was born Feb. 4, 1917, in Buffalo, N.Y. She will be remembered by all for her intellect, spirit, humor and kindness. She graduated from D’Youville College, Buffalo, N.Y. with a bachelor’s degree in English. Mrs. Finnegan received a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Fordham University, New York City. She taught English at D’Youville College and was a founding faculty member of the Psychology Department of the University of Maine – Augusta, where she taught for many years. She was an innovator in the use of clinical practicums for undergraduate degree students. Catherine married 1st Lt. Francis T. Finnegan July 10, 1945. They raised their family of seven children in Augusta. Catherine enjoyed music, gardening, traveling and was an avid mystery reader. Throughout her life she cherished her ties to her extended family in Buffalo, N.Y. In her retirement she traveled and studied extensively, conducting research on Cardinal Newman at Oxford University – England. When not traveling, she and her husband enjoyed their retirement in Ocean Point, where they delighted in many family gatherings and celebrations. Catherine was predeceased by her husband and her eldest son, Francis T. Finnegan Jr. She is survived by her sister, Mary Louise Brady of Buffalo, N.Y.; and her children, Andrew and his wife, Susan, of Freeport, Kate Finnegan and her husband, William Beck, of Brookline, N.H., John and his wife, Nancy, of Togus Pond, Michael and his wife, June, of Edgecomb, Mary Ann Finnegan of Wakefield, R.I., and Margaret and her husband, Mario Briccetti, of Cleveland; a daughter-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Finnegan of Old Orchard Beach; 12 grandchildren, Alexandra Finnegan, Amy Little, Bridget Davis, Elizabeth Finnegan, Michael Finnegan, Shannon Finnegan, Catherine Beck, Anna Bricetti, Angelo Briccetti, Rose Briccetti, Alison Rice and Sarah Rice; three great-grandsons, Benjamin, Isaac and Jacob Little. Calling hours will be 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4, at St. Mary’s Church, Augusta. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Francis T. and Catherine B. Finnegan Scholarship Fund at the University of Maine – Augusta. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home website at www.plummerfh.com
CATHERINE VIRGINIA BRADY FINNEGAN
