Mary Frances Finch

Mary Frances (Simpson) Finch took Jesus’ hand and walked home on October 6, 2017. She was born on May 8, 1919, in Stroud, Oklahoma. She was the youngest of three sisters, and was of Scottish and German decent.

Mary spent her early years in Oklahoma, but lived most of her life in Southern California. She attended schools in San Diego, but, when the family relocated back to Oklahoma due to her grandparents’ illness, she attended and graduated from Bartlesville High School. Mary returned to California and enrolled at University of California-Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Physical Education. She received her teaching credential and taught girls’ athletics for many years at Los Angeles, Burbank, and Glendale high schools. Some of her students were children from the entertainment industry, and she shared some interesting stories of those times.

Following her teaching career, Mary ventured into real estate sales for a few years. She specialized in Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar properties, and found joy in working with people, helping them find just the right nest for their families.

Finding love in mid-life, Mary married longtime friend Charles Edward Finch, a retired Naval officer and teacher, and they went on to enjoy many travel adventures together. They took pleasure in the coastal life, residing in Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach. Eventually they decided to go their separate ways, but always remained fast friends.

Mary was energetic, outgoing, and caring, and enjoyed sports and games of any kind. She became an accomplished tennis player, had a special passion for the game of bridge, loved golfing, and was always a great competitor. She has inspired and supported the younger generation of her family and friends. She gave us many cherished memories, and she will be missed by all whom she touched in life. She embraced life and Is now at peace. The family is extremely grateful for the many acts of kindness to our dear “Auntie Mary” from her wonderful friends over the years.

Mary is survived by nieces Virginia Pelletier-Newhall (Richard) and Janice Arion (Bill-dec.); nephew Ronald Finch (Jenifer); great-nieces Donna Caravaggio (Dante), Lily Arion, and Katrina Waugh; great nephews Robert Pelletier (Gabriella), James Pelletier (Amy), Steven Pelletier (Traci), and John Charles Arion; eleven grand nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Catherine Waugh and Ruth Finch, niece Elaine Waugh, nephew Stuart Waugh, and grand nephew Kevin Pelletier.

Please plan to join Mary’s family for remembrances and refreshments at Regents Point Fellowship Hall, 19191 Harvard Ave., Irvine, at 1:30 p.m.