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Finnerty, Mary Sue
59, of Phoenix slipped away on April 29, 2012. She is survived by her two sons Blake Thomson, 21, and Hunter Thomson, 25; she was extremely and appropriately proud of them and all their accomplishments. She is also survived by her beloved sisters Jane Pence (Tom) and Lori Basanez (Marc) and their children and grandchildren, her former husband David Thomson and his wife Brenda. She was predeceased by her parents, June Finnerty and Deane W. Finnerty, Ph.D. Mary was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on December 24, 1952. She graduated from Minnetonka High School in Minnesota, the University of Minnesota (majoring in psychology), Boston University (master's in education) and the George Washington University National Law Center (J.D.) Her entire legal career was spent in municipal law. She was an Assistant City Attorney in Tucson from 1983 - 1987 and then she worked in the Civil Division of the City of Phoenix Law Department starting in 1987, where she rose to the rank of Assistant Chief Counsel. Mary was supremely warm and caring, a humble person with many close friends from her workplace and the community. Her goals were to raise her sons to be good people who make the world a better place, which has been accomplished already, and for herself to enjoy a long retirement of traveling and antiquing, which sadly is not to be. Mary supported the Arizona Humanities Council, Hospice of the Valley, cancer research, and public radio and television. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Monte Vista Room at the Heard Museum on Saturday, May 26 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
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Everyday my thoughts turn to you...
"I´d trade all my tomorrows for a single yesterday. Holding Mary´s body close to mine..."
Bruce Barker
Friend
July 19, 2023
10 years since your passing. So much has happened and many family and friends joining you. Love you Mary Sue and your wonderful Finnerty family .
Pam Miller-Smith
Family
April 29, 2022
I will always remember her warm smile and the stories we shared of our love for Tucson and its people. David Lyman (Albuquerque, NM)
May 24, 2012
To Mary
Keeper of my heart...back then, now and forever...til we meet again
Bruce
May 23, 2012
I was saddened to learn of Mary's passing. Mary was an intelligent, witty, charming and professional lady. She will be missed by all that knew her. Please accept my condolences to her family.
Bill McDonald
May 17, 2012
May there now be peace and healing. It's time to cherish our memories of Mary Sue and know that she set a high standard for us to follow in our own lives. Our prayers and thoughts go out to family and friends.
Tom and Jan McIntosh
May 9, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about Mary Sue. Our prayers for comfort and peace are with you during this time and in the days to come.
Mark McKercher
May 8, 2012
Our condolences to Mary Sue's family. Missed but not forgotten.
Craig Burns
May 8, 2012
Mary, you will be truly missed here in the office, I always enjoyed our little chats and loved your smile.
May God Bless your family during this difficult time.
Love, Glory
May 7, 2012
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to Mary's family for this devastating loss. Although I did not know Mary well, I appreciated her friendly guidance and support as she helped me to navigate the sometimes choppy waters of governmental procurements. She spoke often, and with pride, about her much loved sons and no doubt would have cherished more time with them and with her family. May you be comforted by the memories of her love.
Mary Grier
May 7, 2012
We send our condolences and prayers to my dear cousin's families. Ron & Kathy Abels, Ballwin, Mo.
Kathy Abels
May 7, 2012
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mary's much too early departure. She was a special lady who was a wonderful, kind and caring individual. My deepest condolences to the family.
Rest In Peace Mary,
Linda Lopez
May 7, 2012
So sad to lose such a wonderful person too soon, thinking of all the family that are mourning her loss...peace be with you.
Pam Miller-Smith
May 7, 2012
Am thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Your in my prayers. Candy Roberts
May 7, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts are with Blake and Hunter, Lori and Jane. There will be a big hole in our family with the loss of Mary. We will always remember her humor, integrity and love for her children. We will miss you. Barbara (Allen) Oritz
May 7, 2012
I am very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person and mother. She will be greatly missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and the Finnerty families as well.
Sue Morehead
May 6, 2012
We are thinking of you all and prayers are being sent at this difficult time. Ann & Jim Robinson & family
May 6, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are for you guys during this time of grief and mourning. Mary Sue was such a great lady, quiet but with an unexpected humor, always concerned for others, and a strong fighter to the end. We will all miss her
Scott and Laurita McKercher
May 6, 2012
So hard to let go... peaceful blessings to your family. I love you and miss you.
Lisa Allen Bartlett
May 6, 2012
Mary Sue,
I will miss you and the way you always made me laugh. Our adventures at Jane and Tom's, with Lori and Marc, will live in infamy. And now whenever I wear my black top, I will think of you. Love and peace to your sons, sisters, and all the family touched by this much too soon passing.
JoAnne Allen
May 6, 2012
My condolences to Mary Sue's family. She was a special person to all who knew her. She always had a smile and kind word.I will always remember the fun times we had in Cleghorn at Grandma' s house. She definitely made her mark in this world and will be missed tremendously by all.
Marcia Huffman
May 6, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Finnerty family. We will miss Mary Sue very much.
Sue Schneider and family, Le Mars, Iowa
May 6, 2012
Our sincere love and sympathies to Mary Sue's family. The Finnerty family will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all so much.
Robin McKercher
May 6, 2012
I was so very sorry to learn that Mary was taken from us--way, way too early. I worked with her for several years at the City of Phoenix Law Department and I remember her for her quiet competence and friendliness. She always had a smile for me even when we didn't have time to chat. My sincere condolences to the family.
Phyllis Hughes
May 5, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the family. Mary was a very dear friend of mine for many years. She will be greatly missed.
Chris Bolus
May 5, 2012
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