Rosemary Eileen Finley
Rosemary Eileen Finley
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Rosemary Finley Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Sally Finley Harloff
June 17, 2025
Twenty-three years, seems just like yesterday. Your life cut short but your accomplishments were so many. Having memories to hold dear in my heart. Miss you Snooky each and every day.
Molly Fields
June 17, 2024
To me, Rosemary, you were just here.....cheering me on, lifting my spirits, always the Cheerleader during these many years. Miss you every day,
Love Always, Molly
Sally Finley
June 17, 2024
I miss as much today as the day you left. Your niece Isabel and her husband named their first child after you. She carries your first name and your youngest sister’s middle name. As time ticks away we will all be together. In the meantime memories fill my heart.
Judy Holmes
June 17, 2023
You, Irish sweet pea, have been in my thoughts so often. I am always shocked anew when I think of your dying at the age of 48! Granted, you lived loud & large; still, too young. I carry our shared memories close to my heart. Love - Judy
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Sally Harloff
June 17, 2023
Sometimes I go back to wondering why you, Rosemary, why you? And the answer is always the same, it was your time. Time stands still, time moves on. Missing those we truly love is the hardest. You keep me going, during some of my darkest times, I feel you. Sisters are forever.
Molly Finley - Fields
June 19, 2021
Another year without your unconditional love & support. So many changes, pandemic, heartache loosing my Husband
Wish we could sit over coffee & talk
Love forever. Molly
Marnie Finley
June 19, 2021
Still missing you and looking up to you as you continue to inspire me (Carpe diem) from your eternal home in heaven. I’ll always love you and cherish the love you showed me and Isabel. ~ Marnie
Sally Harloff
June 17, 2021
Everyday you are gone, seems like just yesterday. Missing you. Sister, Sally
Molly Fields
June 17, 2020
I feel like I have a connection, stronger now with Dave there too. Have you shared special memories with him. Tell him what has been in my heart for so long, that I couldn't speak to him about. And Mom, Dad and Julie, a big Finley greeting when he arrived. I so miss you, often there were times I needed to talk with you. Remember me to our Heavenly Father. You are loved and thought of often from us all.
Sally Harloff
June 17, 2020
I miss you every day. You truly knew how to live every day to the fullest. Sister number six of eight. Best of all each one of nine siblings was Moms favorite. Thank you for watching over all of us. Sally (number four of nine)
Judy Holmes
June 17, 2020
Rosemary: I can hear your laughter, music to my ears. Remember when our teacher at St Mary's was explaining categories?! She made a list on the chalkboard. You leaned over to me & whispered "Are those flowers?" I whispered back "No! Cows!" And, we both could not stop laughing. The poor teacher glared at us! I think of you often, miss you much & love you dearly!
Molly Fields
June 18, 2019
So often in my heart and mind. Some little thing to bring her to mind. and usually with a smile. Remembering when......family gatherings......what a wonderful hostess and party planner she was. Celebrating our milestone birthdays without since she passed away. The date is on my calendar, why? I don't really know, why is it as important as her birth day. Sure miss you, more so now, having to deal with the unknown of an illness with my love. So like how she navigated the unknown. Faith, knowledge, and surrounded by love and family. Thank you for sharing your life then and still.
Marnie Middleton
June 18, 2019
Forever in my heart. Growing older and navigating the messiness and beauty of life isnt what I imagined ~ doing it without you in my life. Hope that your dancing on streets of gold in the loving presence of Jesus.
Sally Finley Harloff
June 17, 2019
Seventeen years ago you were called from this earth to your forever happiness. I miss you so much little sister. Loving you forever. Sally
Judy Holmes
June 17, 2019
Seventeen years . . . Rosemary, I think of you so often. As I am aging without you, I remember to make the most of this time I've been given here on earth. I also remember so many wonderful & funny time together! I remember being roommates at St. Mary's . . . our orange bedspreads & curtains; your washing your hair with Prell shampoo, wearing a black & white checked shirt; our eating at Mr. Steak; your can of Coke put by your bed before you went to sleep so you could start your day with Coke; heating up canned chicken a la king in the popcorn maker; studying & quizzing one another; student teaching; your chasing a student under the table; laughing - always laughing! I miss you, sweet pea! Love - Judy Holmes
Forever and ever Amen
Molly Finley-Fields
June 19, 2018
Molly Fields
June 19, 2018
How sweet, to see the message from Sally, Rosemary is forever in our hearts. Celebrating her birthday and her day of release from pain. We love and miss you,
Sally Harloff
June 17, 2018
Sixteen years ago today you had to leave your footprints here on earth and your love in hearts of all those who loved you. Little sister, I love you and miss you so much. Sally Finley Harloff
August 19, 2015
Another year, you are always young and vibrant in my mind and heart, I stop throughout the day on the 18th of August and think of you. Miss you, Mom and Julie. Love forever.
Molly
Marnie Barnhart
August 18, 2015
My incredible and vibrate sister who taught me so much about life and love. Miss you like crazy sis as I honor your memory and celebrate your life.
Sally Finley Harloff
July 22, 2014
Rosemary, I am sure you have already welcomed Les to join you and all the others into the afterlife of joy, love, peace and tranquility. Les Pratt left his earthly life far earlier than anyone expected. His family will miss him so much and be at a lose for a while as they try and adjust to why him and why so early. Les, like you, amassed a very large number of family, co-workers and friends. Now we all have our sorrow, loneliness and lose to deal with. Thank you all that have left before us, we look forward to joining you when our time arrives. Love your sister Sally
Sally Finley Harloff
August 19, 2013
Today would have been your 60th birthday but you left this mortal life too soon, eleven years ago. Missing you is something I have never gotten over. I knew your passing from here to there would not be easy for me but I am content in knowing you are happy and with other that have filled my heart with love and joy over the years that have also left this place. Love and miss you, Sally
Marnie Barnhart
June 17, 2013
Rosemary -
You are always in my heart and often on my mind. Miss you so much and some days it seems like only yesterday when we said good bye and you slipped quietly into eternity. You lived a life that inspires so many still today (the entries in your guest book many years after 2002 are a testimony to the bonds and your influence) including Isabel. She looks so much like you except she has pale green eyes and lighter colored hair instead of the deep brown color of your eyes and rich, chocolate brown hair. The time that you spent with her had positive, immeasurable and life-long impact upon her young life.
Thank you.
I wish you were still here - I miss your joyful zest for life and ability to bring our family together. Although cancer robbed us of your time on earth, it did not rob us of the rich legacy and wonderful memories we shared with you.
I will always love you Sis!
Sally Finley Harlioff
August 19, 2012
Rosemary, sorry I missed your Birthday yesterday. I miss you as much today as the day you left this life behind. Love your sister Sally
MOLLY FIELDS
July 27, 2009
HI ROSEMARY
How wonderful you and Juli are there to greet Mom, show her the beautiful place where she has joined you and all of her Family. Bet it is quite a reunion especially since you are the best Hostess and Party Planner that ever was!! Share the love, watch over us here also and show us the way as we say Good Bye to Mom this coming Sunday.
LOVE your Sister
Molly Finley Fields
Mankato MN
Sally Finley Harloff
June 28, 2009
Rosemary, please reach out for Mom and help her from her pain here to eternal happiness. Her Mom and Dad are waiting for her. We are ready to have Mom leave us now. The lose of Mom is deep for all of us. Love Sally
Jeanne Bellevue
March 6, 2008
Rosemary...Gentle hugs to you...I miss you but feel so blessed knowing I can still talk...You still listen to me sharing good advice...never judging...when I prayer and talk with you...Thank you for being YOU...and always walking by my side...
Lorrie Finley
June 18, 2006
June 17 is the anniversay of Rosemary's death. Mom (Pat Finley) asked me to send a special message to her children and sons in-law, her brother & sister in-law, her friends at GLL and Rosemary's friends especially Les:
We are all strongly connected by Rosemary who has left us a legacy of unconditional love. May each person know how blessed Mom feels to have the love and care of her family and friends, the love she has for each and how much you mean to her even when words cannot begin to express this. As Rosemary encouraged us, say "I love you" every chance you get.
Love,
Lorrie
Sally Finley Harloff
May 17, 2006
This is who Rosemary was:
Two Friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the Journey they had an argument and one friend slapped the other in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand. "Today by best friend slapped me in the face". They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone "Today my best friend saved my life". The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, your write on a stone, why?" The other friend replied "when someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
Learn to write your hurts in the sand to carve your benefits in stone. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
Rosemary, you are in my heart, soul and mind everyday. I miss you so much.
Love Sally
Sally Finley Harloff
December 13, 2005
Rosemary, as you know Juli has decided her struggle with cancer has come to an end. Juli has decided time has come to leave our physical earth and return to her beginning. Please, Rosemary, when she is holding her hand here and extends it to you, please take her to where you and she will be forever happy. When our times come, and you can take us to be with you, we know you will be there to help us. How much I miss you little sister. Love Sally
Judy Holmes
September 16, 2005
Dear Sweet Rosemary . . . We were college friends/roommates at St. Mary's Jr. College. We stayed in touch for many years with letter writing and visiting. I lost touch with Rosemary when she moved to California. Years later, I tracked her down in Minnesota and we started exchanging Christmas cards/letters.
I hadn't heard from Rosemary in quite awhile so decided to do an internet search today. I am so sad to learn that she died on June 17, 2002. But, I am not surprised to read about how she responded to cancer. Rosemary always had a fiestiness about her. I can still see that wicked smile and hear her laughter!
We had so much fun together. I remember our college bedspreads were orange. Rosemary always set a can of Coke by her bed each night so she could gulp pop upon waking up! We went to Mr. Steak for dinner often - that tiny girl could eat more steak!!
I met Rosemary's mom, her brother Joe, and some of her sisters. In fact, I have a painting of Judy Garland by one of the sisters.
I extend my belated condolences to Rosemary's family and friends. Rosemary was a rare treasure!!
Love - Judy
MOLLY FIELDS
December 20, 2004
CHRISTMAS SEASON 2004. THE MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS PAST HOSTESSED BY ROSEMARY ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART AND MIND. AS WE AGAIN GATHER WITHOUT OUR DEAR SISTER AND DAUGHTER, WE RAISE OUR GLASSES TO HER. THANKING HER FOR HER BEING, SHARING, CARING, LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY. WE WILL GATHER TOGETHER ON THE 28TH. PLEASE JOIN US IN THINKING OF HER AND A PRAYER OF THANKS FOR HER. (THE CHIMES OUTSIDE MY DOOR ARE A BEAUTIFUL REMINDER OF HER,) LOVE AND MISS YOU.
MOLLY FINLEY FIELDS
MANKATO, MN
Jeanne
November 13, 2004
Rosemary...I miss you! You were always my rock, my confidant, my cheerleader, my friend...the one who always listened...never judging...always supporting...and so much more...Jeanne
Sally Harloff
May 12, 2003
I hear Guiness has joined you. Sandy took such great care of him, just as you knew she would. I miss you.
Love Sally
Sally Finley Harloff
December 25, 2002
I miss you Rosemary
Sally
Harloff Sally
December 5, 2002
Well Rosemary, the "Sisters Week End" was a blast. This time we didn't get any complaints from the hotel front desk! How'd you like the way we surprised Judy for her 60th birthday. Was great how we caught her off guard. We knew and felt you with us. Too think so many years ago as a Christmas gift you gave us 8 sisters our first "Sisters Week End", we will always continue this in your memory even when we are using walkers and taking our teeth out at night. I know you are near because I hear the bagpipes. Love you little sister and miss you even more.
Love Sally
MOLLY FIELDS
August 20, 2002
YESTERDAY WE CELEBRATED YOUR 49TH BIRTHDAY. ENJOYED AN AFTERNOON STROLL AND SAT ON THE PATIO AT THE U OF M ABORUEATUM. AFTER WHICH WE HAD DINNER AT KATHY'S. WE MISSED PATSY AND SALLY THERE AND KNEW YOU WERE WITH US IN THE SUNSHINE, THE WISPHER OF THE WIND AND IN THE BEAUTY OF THE FLOWERS. AS YOU SO ENJOYED THE FRUITS OF COOKING AND USE OF FRESH HERBS WE MADE A POINT OF STOPPING AT THE KITCHEN HERB GARDEN. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!! AGAIN THANK-YOU FOR SHOWING US THE TRUE MEANING OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. I & YOUR SIBLINGS AND MOM WILL MISS YOU TERRIBLY BUT YOU ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS. LOVE MOLLY
Nancy Peacock
July 24, 2002
Dearest Rosemary....I know you are watching over us and I want you to know you truly were and will remain an inspiration to all the carcinoid patients and their caregivers who had the privilege of knowing you. I
met you in Minneapolis and Sarasota...what an honor...you truly gave me such hope. You will remain a part of me during my fight with this thing they call Carcinoid.
You are truly one of a kind. I am mourning you just as I would a brother or sister. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
Fernando Quevedo
July 13, 2002
Rosemary will continue to be inspiration and example for many people. She fought her unusual disease bravely, while in the meantime illuminated and taught patients, friends, family members and doctors about carcinoid tumors.
Lisa and Fernando miss you our dear friend.
Linda Colburn
July 10, 2002
Dearest Rosemary,
Oh, the memories, both beautiful and sad, we've shared over the years. Our joys and sorrows were many, and our friendship survived them all. I have been truly blessed to have had you in my life. I learned from you the meaning of true friendship, and your courage and strength will remain in my heart forever. I will miss being able to share my new-found joy with you, but I know you will be with me as I travel down this new road. I will think of you each time I water the rose bush planted last week in your honor (Bird-of-Paradise doesn't do too well in Minnesota!). Thank you for sharing your life with me. I love you and miss you. To your "Carpe Diem!" I enthusiastically respond, "I WILL!"
MOLLY (FINLEY)FIELDS
July 5, 2002
i AM EVERY SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE BEAUTIFUL EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE AND ADMIRATION FROM SO MANY PEOPLE. I WILL MISS YOU FOR EVER AND EVER. YOUR SISTER, YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH. I DO NOT FEAR IT. LOVE, MOLLY
lorraine & stan schweitzer
July 4, 2002
we are blessed to have known rosemary finley....the impact she made on our lives and the carcinoid community is enormous....she will live in our hearts forever.... carpe diem....lorraine & stan schweitzer
Margaret Wyble
July 1, 2002
My deepest sympathy I extend to the
family of Rosemary.
God Bless.
Margaret Wyble
Judy Alden
June 29, 2002
I am saddened by the loss of such a special friend. Rosemary was a unique person who will be missed.
susan dodds
June 29, 2002
Rosemary lived her motto, carpe diem. We met briefly once, at a conference in Fla. Later, I invited her to get out of the MN snow..it was Feb., and come to sunny CA for a visit. She jumped right on it and came out...we had a ball! Yes, she was a great organizer and a wonderful educator and empathic support person. But, she was fun! I think of her often...she was a good "sounding board" for me. What a gal!
Kathy V
June 29, 2002
Rosemary was a God send to our family when my hubby was dx'd with carcinoid cancer'98. She gave us so much hope and encouragement. Although I only knew her online, whe was a tremendous inspiration to us. What a wonderful lady. She will always be looking down on all that loved her and helping in any way she can. She is our angel now.
Bob and Susan Kurtz
June 29, 2002
Rest in peace, dear Rosemary. You were a real inspiration and true friend to all who knew you.
Stu Chalmers
June 29, 2002
Rosemary was instrumental in my learning about a treatment that helped reduce some of the tumors from Carcinoid. She was very pleasant and helpful when we met at the MN Carcinoid conference in June 2002. A wonderful person with a very uplifting spirit. The world could use a lot more people with Rosemary's outlook. Thanks Rosemary, we will miss you.
Dina Bolshazy
June 29, 2002
You touched many with your caring and love. You will be greatly missed. Your courage with Carcinoid helped many of us.
Your new adventure begins...
CARPE DIEM..Rosemary
Kerry Dooley
June 29, 2002
Rosemary has touched so many lives on this list, including my mothers and my own. We will truly miss her spirit, her knowledge and her passion for life. I truly feel blessed to have known her
Kris hARPER
June 28, 2002
Rosemary was inspirational for me. She kindly reached out to a stranger-me and helped me to overcome the initial shock of a carcinoid diagonsis. Carpe diem was how she approached things! I consider her a brave, powerful role model. She will remain in the hearts of many!
Valerie Trefry
June 28, 2002
I am blessed to have known her, even though we had never met in person. Her generosity to share her knowledge of carcinoid has, and will, inspire so many to learn a little more about this rare cancer. She will forever remain in my heart and prayers.
Marilyn Maurer
June 28, 2002
I first met Rosemary at the Minneapolis Carcinoid Conference. I will always remember her for her bubbly personality and as a crusader of carcinoid. She joked about her flush as she approached the podium to speak. I also had the privildege to talk with her privately and through e-mails. We have all lost a beautiful, beautiful person who had a heart big enough to love us all. I just know she is smiling down on all of us and telling us she is at peace. I will alwys love you dear friend, Marilyn
Dawn Decker
June 28, 2002
I'm am but one of the many carcinoid patients touched over and over by Rosemary. Rest in peace dear friend; you have earned it.
Leah Hoevenaar-Guis
June 28, 2002
What a dear, compassionate woman - I will miss her messages ending with the ever-present "Carpe Diem". My sincerest sympathies to Rosemary's friends and family.
Diane and Ron Kaiser
June 28, 2002
Rosemary was a special person with a generous heart who responded to many in the online carcinoid support group who like herself had to deal with carcinoid cancer. She is missed.
Haze; Baker
June 28, 2002
Rosemary was one of the most helpful people on the support line. We met in SF where she was so full of energy. I will miss her.
Corie Dean
June 28, 2002
I feel so blessed to have met Rosemary if only just a couple of times. Her enormous caring for others was an inspiration to me. Rosemary, you will be missed but I know you are watching over us!
Stephen Pazan
June 28, 2002
I regret never meeting Rosemary but I corresponded with her by e-mail and I had one long and memorable telephone conversation. She was an inspiration and a model.
(Southern California Carcinoid Fighters)
Susan Anderson
June 28, 2002
Our small Carcinoid community has lost one of the shining lights and guiding stars. I am among those fortunate enough to have met Rosemary several times, plus emails and phone calls. Rosemary was a pathfinder and assisted so many others. She is missed very very much.
Bill Huether
June 27, 2002
I have lost a dear and true friend you will always be in my heart Rosemary.
Joseph Finley
June 27, 2002
Dear Rosemary,
Oh, how I will miss you. You will
always be in my heart. And, as I ride along the SW Trail you'll be there beside me.
Joe
Lloyd Thorsbakken
June 25, 2002
The world was and will be a much better place because Rosemary was here. I was and will be a better person for having known her the brief time that I did. Thank You, Rosemary.
Sally Finley Harloff
June 25, 2002
Rosemary, my sister, my friend.
Where you hear bagpipes, you
are hearing Rosemary.
Sheila McCallister
June 24, 2002
Rosemary was an inspiration to all and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Finley clan.
The McCallister Family
Patty Beszhak
June 24, 2002
What a wonderful example of how one can live life to its fullest. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Rosemary's family and friends. Love, The Beszhak family
Gary Kornell
June 24, 2002
With all my Love and Affection My Love for Rosemary will go on.
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