Betty J. Finlay

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MARQUETTE - Betty J. Finlay, 89, of 200 Saginaw St., Ishpeming, and former Marquette resident, entered eternal life Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.

Born May 4, 1920, in Marquette, a daughter of Alex and Gladys (Wells) Finlay, Betty was raised in Marquette. She was a graduate of Graveraet High School and then enrolled at Northern Normal Teacher's College (now Northern Michigan University) where she received her teaching certification. Her first teaching assignments were in Gwinn and then at Lincoln Elementary in Saginaw. Following retirement, Betty moved back to Marquette. Her hobbies and interests were many, and traveling was one of her favorites. She loved seeing new places, meeting people, going for walks, and leisurely going around Presque Isle. Betty was an excellent photographer and her travels afforded many photographic experiences. One of her photos of the Mackinac Bridge was featured in the Michigan Magazine and Calendar. Often, she was accompanied by her beloved canine companion, "Cinder."

Betty is survived by her brother, Alex "Sandy" Finlay of Morro Bay, Calif.; two nieces, Susan Finlay and Judy (Fred) Nutt; several great-nieces and nephews; her dear friends, Tom and Karen Teichman of Marquette and their sons, Jon and Marc. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Tyson.

Friends may call at the Swanson Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 30, beginning at 10 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. David VanKley officiating. Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswanson.com.