Mary Frances (Phillips) Finley, 82, of Monroe, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at Aster Retirement Home, surrounded by her children.
Mary was born on January 11, 1944, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Henry and Frances (Conley) Phillips. She graduated from Janesville High School in 1962 and later met the love of her life, James "Jim" Finley, at a Parker Pen work party. They married on August 21, 1965, and shared 60 years of love and partnership before Jim's passing in September 2025.
Mary and Jim raised their family in Janesville, Waukegan, Illinois, and ultimately Monroe, Wisconsin, where they settled in 1980. She embraced Monroe and became known for her warmth, curiosity, and uncanny ability to know what was happening around town, crediting her information to "a little birdy" who kept her informed. To this day, her children are still searching for that bird.
Mary found joy in books, gardening, cooking, travel, and celebrating life's everyday moments. Her gardens reflected her vibrant personality, bursting with color just like the bright patterns, bold jewelry, and cheerful spirit for which she was known. She was an avid reader and treasured member of her book club for many years.
Cooking was one of Mary's greatest passions. She collected cookbooks from around the world and viewed every meal as an expression of love. Family and friends will long remember her beautifully prepared meals, carefully set tables, and generous hospitality.
Mary had a special gift for connecting with people and making them feel valued. After raising her children, she spent more than 20 years as a Special Education Assistant with the Monroe School District, where she built meaningful relationships with students and families. Her compassion extended beyond her community, and she quietly shared kindness wherever she traveled.
Of all her roles, being a grandmother brought her the greatest joy. She delighted in baking, crafting, reading stories, playing games, and creating special memories with each of her grandchildren. Somehow, every grandchild felt like they were her favorite.
In 2018, Mary suffered a stroke that left her with significant weakness on her left side. True to her character, she faced the challenge with determination, resilience, and grace. Though her circumstances changed, her spirit never did. She continued to travel, nurture friendships, and inspire those around her with her optimism and strength.
Mary's legacy lives on in the flowers she planted, the recipes she shared, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and love. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, welcomed, and cherished.
Mary will be dearly missed by her loving children Pam and Steve Hahn (Monroe,WI); Chris and Kristin Finley (Vancouver, WA); Tricia and Scott Threlkeld (Englewood, CO); and Cari and Doug Teff (Louisville, KY); grandchildren Morgan and Matt Kelly (Scales Mound, IL); Craig Kennison (Englewood, CO); Andrew Finley (Ridgefield, WA); Erik Finley (Ridgefield, WA): Meghan Finley (San Francisco, CA); Molly Threlkeld (Boulder, CO); Ella Threlkeld (Boulder, CO); Norah Teff (Spartanburg, SC); and Bea Teff (Louisville, KY); great granddaughter Claire Kelly (Scales Mound, IL); and special niece Danielle Natz Thomas and Krista Thomas (Chicago, IL).
Mary Finley was preceded in death by husband James Finley and son Michael, who died at birth; parents Henry and Frances Phillips; parents-in-law Clarence and Ellen Finley; brothers William (Sharon) Phillips; Joseph (Rosemary) Phillips; and sister Annette (William) Natz; special nephew William Natz and many in-laws, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Hawk's Mill Winery in Browntown, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., with the service and reception following at 3:00 p.m. Please honor Mary with your most colorful attire. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the School District of Monroe to fund payment against Student Lunch debt. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Aster Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
