Mrs. Mary Anita Gallagher Finnegan

Mary A. Finnegan, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 25, 2010, in the comfort of her home with loved ones at her side. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa. and was brought to Staten Island after her mother died to attend St. Vincent School of Nursing. On Staten Island, she met and married her beloved James. They retired to Holiday City, Berkeley in 1983, where James died in 1991. She held many fulfilling supervisory positions as a registered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital, Sunnyside Hospital, Willow Brook State School, and Golden Gate Nursing Home. Her most cherished and passionate time was working as a EMT-D for the Holiday City @ Berkeley Volunteer First Aid Squad from where she retired at 90 years old after 20 years of service. She enjoyed her trips to Atlantic City to play video poker, celebrating her Irish heritage, telling jokes and serving her famous Irish coffee. She was also a member of the Staten Island Square Set.

Mrs. Finnegan is predeceased by her husband, James of 53 years. She is survived by her son, James Jr. and his wife Grace of Toms River; a daughter, Maureen and her husband Bruce Howard of Freehold; a devoted friend, Betty La Braccio of Toms River; her grandchildren, Dawn, Timothy, James III, Kristin and Danny; and her great-grandchildren, Danielle, Kathleen, Kelli, Tara, Alex, Nicky, Brendan, Griffin and Kira.

Visiting will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 27 and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River. A graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 29 at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. Burial will follow. In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the Holiday City @ Berkeley Volunteer First Aid Squadl Home, Toms River, NJ.