Mary Nichols Finn

Houston - Mary Nichols Finn, 84, the cherished matriarch of the Finn family, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. She was born on the 22nd of October 1940, in Tupelo, Mississippi. Following the end of World War II, her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she called home for most of her life.

In 1959, she met the love of her life, Harold Finn, and on November 24th, 1961, they got married at the Fort Hood, Texas, Military Chapel #1. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary last year.

Mary found her greatest joy, and most enduring legacy, in the family she so lovingly nurtured. A devoted mother of three and grandmother of eight, Mary was the heart of the Finn family. Affectionately known as "Mimi" to her grandchildren, she was their tireless cheerleader and fiercest advocate. Whether it was academic awards, sports accomplishments, music recitals, or even small accomplishments, Mimi would recount all of these milestones with great pride to her extended family and friends as well as the occasional stranger she had just met.

Mary's favorite occasions were those spent with all of her grandchildren gathered under one roof - especially during the Christmas holidays or during summer weeks in Michigan. Her grandchildren will all miss her "secret pantry" filled with snacks their parents would never approve of, and her famous breakfasts of waffles or Pop-Tarts, with a side of raw cookie dough. To them, Dollar Tree runs, Little Caesars pizza nights, "trash TV" marathons, and elderly people wearing parkas in the middle of summer will forever evoke memories of Mary's unique spirit and sense of humor. She loved to laugh - loudly, and many of her favorite times were family southern cooked meals.

Although family always came first, Mary also built an impressive professional legacy. A "girl boss" before the term existed, she was known for her no-nonsense managerial approach, forthright communication style, and commitment to mentoring her coworkers. After a long career, she retired as the Business Manager for the Ob-Gyn and Pediatrics practices at UT-Le Bonheur in Memphis. Along the way, she earned a B.S. in Business Management from Louisiana State University and a Master's degree in Personnel Management from Memphis State University while working full-time and running a household.

In retirement, Mary continued to pour her energy into the people and places she loved. Once she moved to Houston, she volunteered at the bookstore at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, where she found deep friendship and spiritual community. She especially cherished the time spent in prayer with fellow volunteers and their shared meals at the neighboring Treebeards restaurant.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Sue & Clint Nichols, her brother, Howard Nichols, and her brother-in-law, James Carruth. She is survived by her devoted husband, Harold Finn, her children: Curtis Finn and wife Alice, Cabrina Owsley and husband Steven, and Kelly Skibinski and husband Kenneth. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Chapman and Mary Courtney Finn, Mansfield, Luciana, and Finnian Owsley, and Caroline, William, and Mary Blossom. Mary is also survived by her sister Sylvia Carruth and her brother James Nichols (and wife Cindy) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and volunteers at Houston Methodist and Houston Hospice for their dedicated and caring service.

A private, family-only interment and service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, Texas.

The family will host a reception for family and friends at Bradshaw Carter, 1734 West Alabama St., Houston, TX, 77098 on Tuesday, September 2nd from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider a donation in Mary's memory to Christ Church Cathedral (bookstore) www.christchurchcathedral.org, (1117 Texas Ave., Houston, TX, 77002), Houston Hospice www.houstonhospice.org, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030 or the charity of one's choice.