Mrs. Elaine Frances Lorretta Finn (nee Baker), born November 25, 1924 in Rock island, Illinois passed away in Calgary on September 21, 2019 at 94 years of age. Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother she was pre-deceased in 2004 by her beloved husband of 58 years, Dr. Stanley Gene Finn. Elaine’s many contributions to family, friends and community were significant. Beginning with her employment alongside her family at the Rock Island Arsenal in the run-up to the Second World War, she subsequently enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary (WACS) of the US Army Air Corps executing her duties honourably during WWII. While serving as a drill instructor she met and subsequently married Stan and together they raised a family. Elaine was a constant source of support for her husband and children. While keeping a home, she worked variously as a clerk and stenographer. She also acted as a partner, administrator and manager for her husband’s professional activities. Upon moving to Calgary, she was instrumental in the founding of the Musical Theatre of Calgary and Confederation Park Seniors Choir, and devoted countless hours over many years to the development and success of the Young Canadians and the annual Calgary Stampede Grandstand show. Her work ethic and devotion to service was exemplified by her over 60-year association with the Beta Sigma Phi sorority both in the United States and Canada, and in later years she served as a patron in her husband’s name for the Legacy Children’s Foundation. Elaine will be dearly missed by her daughters, Sharon Macartney, Sandra (Darryl) Wernham and Debra Andrews of Calgary; and by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: David Knight, Jeremy Leyden, Jamie (Hollis) Sylvester and children Brooklyn and Kyson, Curtis (Jamie Eddie) Wernham and daughter Olivia, and Jessica (Rob) Vause, of Calgary; and Jason (Lauren) Wernham and children Yotham and Aleyah of Chilliwack, BC. In keeping with Elaine’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Legacy Children’s Foundation for their Gift of Music Programs (403-244-3074 www.legacygiftofmusic.com) or another worthy charity of your choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elaine Frances Lorretta Baker Finn..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta