IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Madeline

Madeline Finnerty Profile Photo

Finnerty

December 21, 1923 – March 28, 2024

Obituary

Madeline Adeline (New) Finnerty was greeted with the open arms of God the Father and all those gone before her on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Madeline was born on December 21, 1923, to Andrew and Ellen (Burke) New in Gettysburg, SD.

She and her family would move to the Rockham and Zell, SD areas where her family lived on various farmsteads during her childhood years. She graduated from Redfield, SD high school in 1942 and married Lawrence James Finnerty on June 13, 1942, in San Diego, CA. While in San Diego, the couple welcomed son, Lawrence (Larry) in 1943 and daughter, Sandra (Sandy) in 1946. The couple returned to Redfield, SD in 1946 and then moved to Huron, SD in 1952. In 1960, the couple welcomed daughter, Debra (Deb).

Madeline was a woman known for her faith and tenacity – she was an overcomer who knew the Lord would always be with her in this journey called life. She was known for her cooking and baking abilities, as her family and friends can attest. Her famous fried chicken, roast beef and of course German dishes were savored. She loved music, dancing, lilacs, and the color lavender. She played the cello in the school orchestra and was in girls' glee. Madeline and Lawrence were known to "cut a rug" on the dance floor and even won a jitterbug contest while living in San Diego as they danced to the Glenn Miller Band. Madeline worked at the JC Penney company in Huron for 25 years as the head of the ladies clothing department and retired in 1986. This position suited her as she always had a flair for fashion and was known as a stylish gal who knew how to accessorize! She was a member of the Riverside Al-anon group for 30 years and served on the St. Martins altar society. Madeline moved to Spearfish, SD in 2004 where she has resided until the time of her death.

Madeline loved her family and did much to show this in her life. Her family was honored to celebrate her 100th birthday this past year and marveled at her continued zest for life.

She is survived by her son, Larry Finnerty of San Diego, CA. Daughter, Deb (Dan) Cooper of Spearfish, SD. Grandchildren, Dan (Tina) Finnerty, John (Liz) Finnerty, Mark Finnerty, Kate (Gabe) Finnerty McDowell, Emily (Aaron) Walter Jorgenson, Lauren (Kameron) Walter Milne. Great grandchildren, Jill Finnerty, Danielle Wiese, Erin Finnerty, Bree Howe, Chandler Howe, Eliza Jorgenson, and Tenleigh Milne.

Madeline was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lawrence in 1983 and her beloved daughter, Sandy in 2000 and great grandson, Ben Finnerty in 2023. Also gone before her were her parents and brothers, Lawrence and Fred Arthur New.

Visitation will begin at 5 PM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish.  Vigil will follow at 6 PM.   Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 6,  2024 at the church.  Burial will take place at Rest Lawn Cemetery in Huron, SD  on Monday, April 8, 2024.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Madeline Finnerty, please visit our flower store.

Services

Visitation

Calendar
April
5

St Joseph Catholic Church

844 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783

Starts at 5:00 pm

Mass Of Christian Burial

Calendar
April
6

St Joseph Catholic Church

844 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783

Starts at 11:30 am

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