Obituary of Velma Finn

Velma G. Finn Olean, NY Velma Gertrude Finn, 91, formerly of 309 Gilmore Ave. passed away Tuesday (December 3, 2013) at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Olean. Born June 20, 1922 in Wellsville she was the daughter of Paul and Hazel Whitling Gonter. On March 8, 1943 at Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville she married Joseph T. Finn who predeceased her July 22, 1962. Mrs. Finn graduated in 1941 from St. Elizabeth's Academy in Allegany. Shortly after graduation she began work as an operator at New York Telephone.. She spent her working career there and at Verizon Telephone from which she retired. She maintained a lifelong interest in music and became a proficient pianist and violinist while a student at St. Elizabeth's. One of her first jobs was as a pianist and life guard at the Allegany Youth Camp near Cuba Lake. She later participated in church choirs at both St. John's and St. Mary of the Angels Churches. She enjoyed travel and socializing with many friends from the telephone company and church groups. Surviving are three sons Joseph (Suzanne) Finn of Allegany, Stephen (Jan) Finn of Cincinnati and Martin (Karen) Finn of Oshkosh, WI; four grandchildren Katie (Mike) Meyer, Molly (Adam) Bates, Joe Finn and Anne (Robert) Truman; four great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by a brother William Gonter. Friends are invited to attend a brief prayer service to be held Thursday (December 5, 2013) at 9:30am at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00am at St. John's Church in Olean. The Rev. Edward Sheedy, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. John's Church 921 N. Union St. Olean, NY 14760 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.