Dorothy was born April 4, 1933 to Mildred (Ranabargar) Williamson and Alexander Williamson.
She enjoyed writing poetry and had thoughts of becoming a florist. However, to help support the care of her ill mother, she started working at Southwestern Bell (now AT&T) at age 16. At age 20, her uncle introduced her to a young man named Charles Finlay, who worked with him at the Kansas Highway Patrol. They married in 1954. In 1960, their daughter Brenda was born, and in 1966 the birth of their son Doug completed their family. After taking a couple breaks from work to raise her children, Dorothy retired in 1989, to help manage Charles' poor health.
She enjoyed traveling, crafting, baking birthday and wedding cakes, live theater, photography, birdwatching, deer hunting with her dad and husband, listening to lite jazz, and sometimes just going out for a drive. She belonged to several social and charitable organizations like Red Hat Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, and more. She was generous to a fault, and supported the Kansas City Zoo, The Nelson-Atkins Museum, the Salvation Army, The Disabled American Veterans and several pet rescues.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James, her granddaughter Elizabeth, and her husband Charles.
She is survived by her daughter Brenda (Jim), son Doug (Jana), grandson Tom (Meshia), granddaughter Sarah (Gabriel), great granddaughters, Gianna, MacKensea, Alivia, and great grandson Carter.
Her family would like to give a special thank you to the empathetic carers from Ascend Hospice.
A life full of love will be remembered with immediate family only in attendance as she is laid to rest.
A more inclusive Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to 8 & 40 c/o Helen Hatz, 8102 Pennsylvania Lane, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 OR Mid-America Bully Rescue at P.O. Box 410233, Kansas City, Missouri 64141 (mabbr.org).
