Gina Marie Finn

Gina Marie Finn (née Bricchi)

November 11, 1955 - June 15, 2025

Gina Marie Finn, 69, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of June 15, 2025, at Friendship Village Hospice. She was comforted by her beloved son, Terry, whose steady presence and support brought her peace in her final days. Though their relationship was often strained, her son and roommate, Matt, was present at the end, offering quiet words as she passed.

Born in Chicago to the late Louis Bricchi and June Alice Werden, Gina lived a life defined by intellect, resilience, and devotion to family. She was a graduate of Steinmetz High School,

Professionally, she excelled in finance and accounting especially after pairing a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Northern Illinois University, and a M.B.A. in Finance from Dominican University (Rosary College). As a Certified Public Accountant, she built a successful career as a Senior Reporting Analyst and accountant, admired for her sharp analytical mind and tenacity.

Gina married James Finn. Though they later divorced, they remained committed co-parents to their three wonderful children:

Terry, a successful business owner,

Matt, father of Gina's cherished granddaughter Emmerson, and

Alison, married to Keenan Ballo.

She is also survived by her sister Debbie Smolenski (née Bricchi), and was preceded in death by her brother John Bricchi and brother-in-law Bruno Smolenski.

Gina was a spiritual person with a deep appreciation for faith, history, and architecture. She found beauty and peace in old Gothic churches, often pausing to take in their quiet grandeur.

Gina was patient, observant, intelligent and most of all kind and easy going. Like water, Gina naturally went with the flow but water also cuts rock to form mountains.

Where Gina was invested and passionate. she was formidable and unstoppable. This made the very best of friends, daughter, beloved sister and most importantly an awesome mother.

A devoted "pet grandma," she showered love on Baxter, Dorsey, and Tipsey, and found great joy in caring for them. She was a fierce, funny, and loyal friend to many, including Kathy Devereux (a childhood friend of over 60 years and roommate at NIU!), Cynthia Nabasny, Diane Okon, and Karen Sandrik, all of whom shared endless laughs and long conversations with her.

In her later years, Gina became an avid reader and a true connoisseur of romantic adventure novels, building a home library of hundreds of books. She adored nature, especially the arboretum and botanical gardens, and was known for her fiery spirit-especially during a political debate. She loved playing Bunco and took joy in her annual summer trips with her kids to Disney World, creating memories full of laughter and love.

Per her wishes, Gina's ashes will be scattered at Lyle Arboretum, one of her favorite places. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to SAFE Project (www.safeproject.us), a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources for substance abuse recovery across communities, campuses, and veterans organizations.

Gina Marie Finn lived with strength, grace, and boldness. Her legacy is one of love, faith, and fierce devotion to those lucky enough to be loved by her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.