Judith Mary Finnell

Judith “Judi” Mary Baker Finnell, 79, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family — exactly where she belonged. She was a devoted wife, an endlessly loving mother, and the kind of friend who never let you leave without a hug (and probably a story). Judi will forever be remembered for her humor, her light-hearted spirit, and that infectious laugh that could fill a room — and often did.

Born December 6, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Mary and Arnold Baker, Judi was the third of what would eventually become a lively crew of six siblings. Cold Minnesota winters briefly gave way to sunny California in the early 1950s, only to pull the family back north again. But Arizona would ultimately win. In 1958, the Bakers and their ever-expanding brood packed up and headed west to Phoenix in search of warmer air for Arnold’s health — unknowingly setting the stage for Judi’s lifelong love affair with sunshine and the outdoors.

At Maryvale High School, Judi didn’t just participate — she excelled. She served on the Executive Board of the school’s largest organization, the Girls’ Athletic Association, representing archery. She played on Maryvale’s winning badminton team. But tennis was where she truly left her mark. During her senior year, she was voted Athlete of the Year — not “Girls” Athlete of the Year, just Athlete of the Year — a testament to her competitive spirit and talent. Tennis would remain a lifelong passion, though those who played with her knew she preferred winning with a smile.

After graduating in 1964, Judi kept playing tennis, but it was another sport that would change the course of her life. Thanks to a little matchmaking nudge from her mother Mary — who clearly had an eye for these things — Judi joined a local volleyball league at the parks and recreation center. There she met her coach, Mike. What started as drills and serves turned into dates and laughter, and on September 9, 1967, Judi married the love of her life. It was the beginning of a partnership defined by love, happiness, and adventure.

Mike’s career took them to Oklahoma City, where they welcomed their first son, Scott Michael. A few years later, a move to California brought their second son, Douglas James. With their family complete, Judi and Mike did what they did best: they made memories.

And not the souvenir kind.

Camping, skiing, white-water rafting, golf, tennis, travel — if it involved activity, fresh air, or a little risk, they were all in. When Mike’s work took them to Malaysia for three years in the mid-80s, Judi embraced the experience wholeheartedly. Summers were spent exploring Europe, China, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. She didn’t just visit places — she experienced them, laughed in them, and made lifelong memories for her family.

After returning to the U.S. in 1987 and later settling in Tucson, Judi and Mike built a life surrounded by desert sunsets, monsoon storms, four acres of wide-open beauty, and the steady hum of family gatherings. Judi loved her horses, her chickens, her Tucson property, her pink hats, her cowboy boots, and her garage paintings— often all at the same time. She was happiest with Mike by her side, whether they were cruising the Caribbean, gambling in Las Vegas, or indulging his love of Alaska reality shows (a sacrifice she made, although she enjoyed them too).

Judi loved life. She loved talking. She loved laughing. She loved hugging — when she said hello, when she said goodbye, and any moment in between. She believed deeply in joy, in togetherness, and in making the most of every single day.

Mike and Judi focused on love and happiness, and making memories for their whole family. Now their memories and experiences, the experiences they have shared with their friends and extended family, live on in all of us. One of her favorite pieces of advice was simple: Don’t buy souvenirs. Make lasting memories. And, oh, what a treasure trove she has left for us.

The stories. The adventures. The laughter. The hugs.

Judi is survived by her two sons, Scott and Doug, and countless friends and loved ones who were touched by her humor and heart.

We miss her joyful spirit and the way she made ordinary days feel like something worth celebrating. We miss the joy she brought into everything she did and her strength that made our world so much brighter. But most of all we all just miss Jude Finn— the one and only.