Patricia "Patsy" Ann Finnegan

Patricia “Patsy” Ann Finnegan age 95 of Ionia died Friday, December 26, 2025 at Apple Valley Assisted Living in Charles City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at St. Boniface Church in Ionia with Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass.  Interment will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery in Ionia with Pat Finnegan, Josh Finnegan, Eric Salinas, Tyler Salinas, Tim Phillips and Brian Straw serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 6:30 p.m. parish scripture service.  Visitation continues an hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.

641-394-4334.

Patsy was born on March 2, 1930, in Clear Lake, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond and Gertrude (Westover) Marion. As a young girl, she showed independence early on—taking the train from Ionia to Clear Lake to attend kindergarten. She grew up on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and responsibility, qualities that shaped her throughout her life.

Patsy was united in marriage to Patrick Finnegan on October 10, 1949. The two met in Ionia, Iowa, through mutual acquaintances, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, dedication, and shared values.  To this union three children were born.

Throughout her working years, Patsy was known for her reliability and sharp mind. She worked as a cook and a waitress at Weiglein’s and Dave’s and was always known to make the best doughnuts.  Later she was the bookkeeper for Pat Finnegan Construction and worked at the tavern, where her attention to detail and strong work ethic were deeply appreciated.

Generous and humble by nature, Patsy gave freely of her time and talents. She was active in her church auxiliary, quilt club, card club, and served on the library board, always eager to contribute to her community. A breast cancer survivor, she faced challenges with courage and grace.

Patsy had a love for life that never faded. She loved dancing—still dancing on her 90th birthday—and especially enjoyed polka music and Willie Nelson. Adventurous at heart, she embraced activities many wouldn’t expect, including water skiing, fishing, camping, boating and house boating, and even shooting guns.

Her quilts and blankets, lovingly handmade, were treasured gifts for her grandchildren—each stitch a reflection of her care and devotion. Above all else, Patsy cherished her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time together and was known for hosting individual birthday parties for each loved one, making everyone feel uniquely special.

Patsy Finnegan will be remembered for her warmth, strength, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Her life was a beautiful example of kindness, perseverance, and joy well lived.

Patsy is survived by one son, Brian (Debbie) Finnegan of Ionia; one daughter, Stacey (Brian Straw) Salinas of Charles City; one daughter-in-law, Stephanie Horton of Raleigh, NC; five grandchildren, Ashley Salinas of Charles City, Patrick (Laura) Finnegan of New Hartford, Eric Salinas of Waterloo, Tyler Salinas of Cedar Falls, Joshua Finnegan of Johnston; three great-grandchildren, Eleanor Salinas, Adeline Finnegan, Elowen Finnegan; many nieces, nephews and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Patrick Finnegan in 1988; one son, John Finnegan in 2016; one grandson, Nicholas Finnegan in 2010; three sisters, Jean Peters, Donna Kaiser, Shirley Sluga.