Rosemary Finn

Dear Finn Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. I don't know if you remember me but I am the youngest son of Marilyn and Donald Jensen.I am sadden to hear what has happened. My condolences to the Finn family.

Paul Jensen

Rosemary and I taught together at Marist. I can't believe she is gone. What a wonderful person and teacher. I will always remember the laughs we had together.

I can't believe it has been 3 months already....so much has changed in my life since your passing and I wish you were here so you could hear all about it...driving down Kilpatrick and you not being in your apartment anymore is very weird...thinking about you all the time...I am moving this week and so wish you could come over and see the new place...I know you would really like it, except you wouldn't like the fact that you would have to smoke on the balcony!!

Rosemary and I taught on the same Freshman team our first year at Plainfield South. I was a new English teacher and would never have made it without her help. When all the little things were getting me down, she'd have a story or an idea to share that set me off on the right track again. She was a wonderful mentor. I'm not at South anymore, so didn't hear about her passing until recently. She was so much a part of South; she will be sorely missed.
Debra Westhaver-Church

I had the pleasure of meeting Rosemary when my son was struggling in Algebra. She wasn't even his teacher, but she came in early to tutor him until he understood. I had no idea how far she drove to school each day and could not believe she was coming in even earlier to help my son, a child she didn't even know! Her passion for helping students was obvious from the moment I met her and she was so funny too! She really was a rare gem of a teacher and human being. Why do the the great ones have to leave so soon? I am so sorry for her families loss and especially for all the students who will never know her. She was an angel on earth and now she is a real one!

Ms. Finn was my Pre-Calc Honors and AP Calc teacher at PSHS. I loathed math, and yet, Ms. Finn had a way of teaching that always made me feel like I could actually do well. She tirelessly helped her students and her EMPATHY (I could never understand those derivative problems...) meant so much to me. I saved all of my notes from her classes and I like to think that she inadvertently helped me pass a few classes in my undergraduate and graduate career.

I will remember her, always, for her ability to reach out and inspire others, and especially for her good heart.

My deepest sympathies to her family.

My deepest sympathies to Rosemary's family. How we enjoyed Rosemary's strong personality here at Plainfield South. She was always practical and down to earth and sarcastic and caring all at once. What a beautiful sense of humor. She always made us laugh at meetings. I will miss that and her smile and always wearing pink. PSHS is experiencing a major loss with not having her here.

Mrs. Finn, and family, Jennie and little Jennie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I heard yesterday. I was shocked to say the least. My deepest sympathies at this time, I hold you all in my prayers...

Our deepest sympathy to the Finn family!! We are so very sorry for your loss. We know you from the Lake Louise Pool!

Rosemary,
Saturday was a difficult “Good Bye.” I have been lucky enough to been on the receiving end of your yelling, your red-faced sigh, your questions, your advice, your profane laced outbursts, your jokes, your smile, your friendship. I cherish them all. You showed us how to stand courageously for what you value and accept with dignity and humor that you cannot change. Last summer, we met for lunch and talked about what is important. I spoke about my family and you spoke of your own. You told me that you loved the moment you helped the light bulb go on for a student. It was the beginning of saying the difficult “Good Bye.” The check came. You grabbed it even though you had not eaten, looked at me, and argued, “I just found out I got cancer, why the Hell will I need 12 bucks?” Typical Rosemary…sarcastic, giving, honest. Miss you.

Tom, and family I just want to express my deepest sympathy for you and your family. You may or may not remember me I was in the Judges office when your father had his heart attack. Now he and Rosie are together watching over their family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this Holy season.

Dear Finn Family,
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Rosemary's passing. I met her as a member of St. Barnabas CRHP Team 17. I'll always think of her as the serious, searching, intelligent young woman, who at the same time was so much fun. When I remember time spent with Rosemary, I think of laughter. I haven't been in touch with her for years but will never forget her. I'm remembering her and all of you in my prayers.

To the Finn Family

I was devastated to hear the news about Rosemary, she was such an integral part of my childhood and somebody who was a true lifelong friend, no matter the distance between us. Her passion for teaching was so obvious and she touched so many lives in her time on earth. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Finn Family,

I just learned of Rosemary's passing and wanted to send my condolences. Rosemary was one of the most vibrant, fun, caring and loving people I ever had the pleasure of knowing....and she had a great laugh.

Don McGuire

Our love and prayers are with the Finn Family.

I had the distinct pleasure of having Ms. Finn as a Math teacher both my Junior and Senior Year at PSHS (Class of '05). There were few teachers or classes that would make me excited to be at school at 8 am, but Ms. Finn's verve for teaching and her love for her students made 1st period AP Calc something to look forward to. Thank you for fostering such a love for numbers in me, for writing all those amazing college recommendation letters, and for having such a profound impact on me Ms. Finn. You had a heart of gold and I will truly never forget you. Rest in Peace.

Rosie,
You were, as I told you and others many times, my hero! I have missed our daily "check-ins" and talks. You had some of the best stories when we worked those long hours on testing.

You were always there when I needed someone to help my study hall with math. Your devotion and love for students and teaching came through.

You are whole and pain free. Know that you live on in all of our hearts and minds never to be forgotten. We are all better for knowing you.

Miss you, (your meals on wheels friend)

Carole
So sorry to hear of the loss of your sister, Rosemary. After reading these beautiful entries she certaintly was an amazing teacher and friend to many. You and your family are in our prayers.
Judy (Mullins) Lucas

I was very saddened to read about Rosemary's death. I worked with her a long time ago at Scott Foresman. She was the fastest editor and could really turn those pages. To a production person that was the greatest thing. I remember the farewell lunch at Grandpas in Glenview when you were leaving and all the fun we had. A toast to a wonderful person. My prayers are with you Rosemary.

3/26/10

I didn’t get to the obituaries until almost midnight today; the rush of life kept me from finishing the paper until then, and the obits are the last thing I read. Had I been able to get to them sooner, I would have learned of Rosemary’s death in time to get to the wake earlier tonight. While there is nothing I, nor anyone but God, could possibly do to bring genuine solace to the Finn family, I would have liked to have at least dropped by to express my condolences to my old and dear friends Tommy, Mary Donna, to their siblings, to my old golfing buddy Pat Caffrey (Remember playing, with Bob Stump at Ridge circa 1970?), and, mostly, to their wonderful mother, Mrs. Finn.

I was shocked and, like everyone who knew her, even from many years ago, deeply saddened to learn of Rosemary’s death. I remember her as a funny, mischievous, yet serious, beautiful young girl, my friends’ little sister, back in high school. Most people doubtless know her as the caring, concerned teacher and role model that she became. All who knew her, I am sure, will, to put it mildly, miss her and find something missing in their lives.

While I couldn’t get to the wake, I will pray for Rosemary and for the entire family. She’s with God now, and He is with you. God bless you all in this most difficult time; your love of Him and your devotion to each other will see you through.

Words cannot express the sadness that I feel for having lost one of the most incredible people in my life. Most of my significant memories include her in some way of another. Life will not be the same without her presence.

Legend has it, according to her, I am the reason she never had children (after seeing my mother in labor, she made her decision!). We’d laugh about it over dinner at my sister’s restaurant on Friday nights… In high school, I snapped pictures and danced with her at Marist prom. If it wasn’t for her tutoring, I probably would not have passed Geometry…. She and my mom dropped me off at college my Freshmen year, where she bought me my first college t-shirt. I still can’t bear to throw it away…. When I became a high school teacher, she turned into a mentor and I looked to her for ideas and support… She also helped me celebrate birthdays, graduations, and eventually my wedding.

When she was diagnosed, I didn’t believe this day would come. She was Auntie Rosie, so strong, so brave.

I will miss the stories, the laugher, sharing a good book, a cup of coffee (or diet coke), and much more… We all loved her in our own ways, and I am sure we can all agree that her time ended way too soon.

I love you and will always miss you Auntie Rosie!

Rosemary was not only one of my teachers at Morgan Park Academy, but as yearbook advisor while I was editor 2 years, we spent many a Saturday morning in the library working on the MPA yearbook. She was a lot of fun and always ready to help out a student. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. You have lost her too soon, but may knowing that she is now in peace, bring you peace.

Rosemary, you will be missed by staff and students alike. Your dedication to your students and colleague can't be matched. Rest in Peace

Dear Auntie Carole and all the Finns,
We are so sorry for your loss. Rosemary was a wonderful daughter, sister and cousin. You are all in our prayers.
Matt and Janie, Princeton, NJ

Dear Carole, and Family,

Our deepest sympathies on the untimely loss of this wonderful, kind, gracious Daughter and Sibling.

Sally & Jim Finn and Family

Ms. Finn was one of the best teachers I have ever known. I had the privilege of having her as a teacher both my junior and senior year. After I graduated my sister was a student at South and was having difficulty in her math classes. Knowing how great of a teacher Ms. Finn was, I emailed her, and she ended up helping my sister weekly with her math. She truly cared about the students and went out of her way to make sure they succeeded, even if they weren’t in her classes. Plainfield has lost an amazing woman and an inspirational teacher. She will truly be missed.

I am so saddened to hear the news about Rosemary...we go way way back to St Barnabas. We were good friends. Although losing touch throughout the years, the memories of our childhood were great. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace through God's Grace. Thinking of all of you.

Love Michele Pitt Jones

Rosemary was a special friend to me besides being a next door neighbor. We had lots of laughs and we swapped sweaters when we needed that special color. My love to all the Finn's. I think of you often. So now we have St. Rosemary!

Alice O'Toole Cook
1458 Portsmouth Ct
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-205-5075

Dear Carole, Mary Donna, Tom, Carol Jean, Jenny, John and Lori,
My deepest sympathy to you all. My thoughts are prayers are with you.

She was my favorite teacher in HS and the best math teacher I ever had! She was amazing!
-PSHS '06 grad

We started at PSHS together, and I had the privilege of seeing her transform from excellent co-worker, to the best boss any one could have had. From teacher, coworker, friend, Rosemary's dedication, commitment, and caring was unmatched. There will never be anyone like Rosemary. My prayers go out to her family and those that loved her. She is in a better place now. What we can take from Rosemary's example is to live life with spirit, energy and emotion. She will be missed, but she will live on in the countless memories of those that she touched.

Rosemary and I walked together to St. Barnabas School every day during elementary school. She was a treasured friend and I loved her dearly. Though it had been many years since we talked or saw each other, I reached out to her recently. I thank our dear Lord for that last conversation. I'm praying for you all.
Love and prayers,
Martha Martin Maggiore

Rosemary was a kind lady. She touched my life, and I knew she would always have my back, and I wasn't a math teacher. I remember this year I was crying in the hallway, and she just gave me a hug and let me cry on her shoulders. I was blessed to know her and her memory will always live on.

My deepest sympathy to the Finn Family on the death of Rosey. She will be greatly missed. Knowing her great love for her family she will be watching over them always.
Love,
Mary Scannell

Rosemary was one of my favorite students who added so much to our GSU Plainfield Cohort. She will be missed.My condolences to her family,colleagues and students. Dr Riordan

Rosemary was a wonderful teacher, a great leader, and a true friend. Her love for teaching and for Plainfield South was always evident in everything she did.

My heart goes out to Rosemary's family and friends. We have all lost a valuable educator and true friend. As a dean I had various opportunities to work with Rosemary to resolve issues at PSHS. Her work showed such a great care for her students and her department. I will miss her as a colleague and friend.

Dear Finn Family,
Although I regret we lost touch over the years I will always remember Rosemary with many happy memories. She had a positive impact on everyone she met and will be missed.
May your memories help to ease the pain.
With Love,
Susann Gilbert (nee Scavone's)

Ms. Finn had a beautiful way about her. Even if she was having a bad day, she did not let that affect her teaching. She made calculus easy to learn. I will never forget her way of memorizing the quadratic equation to the melody of "Pop Goes the Weasel". The world has lost a wonderful educator and amazing soul. She will truly be missed.

Rosemary's strength and dedication will forever fill the halls, students, and staff of Plainfield South High School. I can see you in so many places, your spirit surrounds us. You were an extraordinary person, full of laughter, quick wit, and determination. You were a great leader. I will admire and miss you for years to come. I will miss the period 4 laughs we have shared for so many years. Oh, the enless stories! Thank you for your blessings. I know you are at peace and without pain. God Bless you Rosie and your family.

Rosemary had such a positive impact on my life, and I will have that forever along with wonderful memories of times we spent together. I will never pass by her office, see a rose or the color pink that I won't think of her, and that is a good thing. She will continue to be a special part of my life and an inspiration to my teaching.

Rosemary was a major part of Plainfield South her dedication to her students and fellow staff members was second to none. To her family thank you for sharing her with us, she will surely be missed.

Dear Finn Family, I am very sorry for your family’s loss. I know that you and everyone who knew Rosemary will miss her kindness, strength, and energy. I only had the privilege of working with Rosemary for the past two years, but she was always very kind and supportive of me. Rosemary believed in me and gave me the confidence to teach a subject when I was not sure I would be successful teaching it to students. This is just another example how Rosemary went up and beyond not only for her family, but for students, staff members, and fellow teachers. I will sincerely miss her, but I know that she is out of pain and is watching over us.

My love to Auntie Carole and the entire Finn clan, I knew Rosemary well as a child and we shared so much love,
laughter and fun switching our North side/South side lives. I am a better
person having her in my life, and her amazing courage and positive outlook
during her illness has become a daily
inspiration for me. My love to all, she
was a very kind and special person and
loved her family and loved teaching.

Speaking for Ms. Finn's 2nd Period Precalc Honors class, Ms. Finn was an extraordinary teacher who went above and beyond to see that her students understood and were comfortable in their learning environment. She was a kind, gentle, and respectable woman that we admired and were grateful to have as our teacher. We will miss being recipients of her teaching and also her kindness. We were blessed to have known her, and we wish her family and friends the best through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.

Rosemary,
You knew you were one of my favorite people in the whole world. Your friendship over the past 12 years has been truly a gift. You were a great friend, listener, and supporter. I don't know what I will do now that I know I can't just pop into your place anymore. Our days of spending time together, getting a pizza, and having a drink have come to an end. I know you are now in a better place and out of pain. I just wish we had more of these days left. Good bye my friend. You will be truly missed. As your watching over me from heavean you will see that I continue to keep alive your passion, humor, and spirt every day at Marist High School. Sending you and your family lots of love.

Rosemary is a guardian angel and a great person who touched so many lives. She was my friend for the past 30 years and my rock through good times and bad. She was an awesome "Auntie Rosey" to my kids. She will be missed greatly and she will forever be in my heart.

Dear Carole and Children,
May your precious memories of Rosie bring you peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Larry and Kathy Wall & Family

Rosemary was truly a wonderful human being who touched not only the lives of her students but those of her colleagues as well. No matter what was going on in her life, Rosemary always showed genuine care and concern for those around her. She will be missed.

Emily Swistak

Rosemary,
You knew that you were one of my favorite people in the whole world. You were a great teacher, supporter, and friend through my days at Marist, then while in college, grad school, and then when I returned back to Marist to work. You know how much I wished you were still at Marist. Now our time together has come to an end. Driving down Kilpatrick and not being able to stop in is going to suck. I know that you are out of pain and in a better place, but I am selfish and wish we had more days together. Days to hang at our apartments, go for pizza, laugh about past memories, our go out for a drink. Good bye my friend. The world has lost such a special person. Until we meet again, know that your passion, heart, humor, and spirit will live on through me in all that I day.

Dear Mrs. Finn, Mary Donna, Tommy, Carol, Jenny, John, and Lori,
I'm very sorry to hear about Rosie. I knew her as Jenny's and John's older sister but from reading the guest book I can see that she was a wonderful person who will be missed.
My condolences on your loss.

I am so sorry to hear this. I met Rosemary when she started teaching at Morgan Park Academy. Two things became clear right away-- she loved teaching and she adored her family. My thoughts and prayers are with Rosemary's family at this time.

Rosemary was a colleague and a great friend. She touched many lives here at Plainfield South. Her spirit will live on through many of us here at South. I was very blessed to have a friend like her and she will be missed always. I know that she is in a better place and that some day we will meet agian. (Pam Muench: PSHS)

Finn Family...I am sorry for you loss and may prayer get you through this difficult time. I know Rosemary is in a better place now, pain free. She was the best boss anyone could ever ask for! She was the motor that kept the math department running at Plainfield South. We knew she always had our backs, and we know that she will continue to look down on us as we go on. She will be missed by many. I am honored to have worked for her and will do my best to make her proud every day.

Finn Family...I am sorry for you loss and may prayer get you through this difficult time. I know Rosemary is in a better place now, pain free. She was the best boss anyone could ever ask for! She was the motor that kept the math department running at Plainfield South. We knew she always had our backs, and we know that she will continue to look down on us as we go on. She will be missed by many. I am honored to have worked for her and will do my best to make her proud every day.

To my dear friend Rosemary,

Know that I have missed you every day and will always miss our rides, our "meetings" and your friendship. You defined teacher with your grace, your love, and your innate ability to touch the life of each student. My world is better because I know you.

Stephanie

I have worked with Rosemary since I started here at PSHS in 2001. She will surely be missed. Words cannot express how I feel. My deepest sympathy and prayers to Rosemary's family.

Rosie was a friend and fellow staff member here at Plainfield South. Her dedication and hard work was evident in everything she did. We will all miss a great educator and friend. My love and deepest sympathy goes out to her family and all of us who loved her.

Rosemary was and is a significant leader
for our school. Her love of Plainfield South was genuine and it showed
in her work and in the relationships she built with kids and staff.
She will be missed. Dan Goggins

PSHS and period 4 lunch will never be the same without Rosemary. Rest in Peace Rosie. I hope you know how much we all love you.

Anastasia Allen

Rosemary was a wonderful teacher and a great friend-Students wanted to be in her classes. She will be missed as the voice of her students-fighting for opportunities for them to learn and succeed. Plainfield South has lost a part of its' soul...we will never forget.

Ms. Finn was a truly amazing person. She loved what she did and she put immense amounts of passion into her job. She was my teacher senior year, and it is because of her that I not only passed math that year, but continue to do well into college. My thoughts are with her family and friends, and she will never be forgotten.

The greatest math teach will be missed

Ms. Finn was my math teacher in 2000 at PSHS and she was awesome! I have so many great memories from that class and she actually made learning math fun. She will be dearly missed but she's in a better place now. We'll miss you Ms. Finn

Dear Finn's,
Know my thoughts and prayers are with you and I believe Rosie is in a better place rooting for all of us.
Love,
Min

Ms. Finn was one of my favorite teachers at Plainfiel South High School. I graduated in 2006 and she was my AP Calculus teacher that year. I have never been so inspired and moved by any teacher as I was Ms. Finn and I hope she knows how many lives she touched as a teacher in her very few years of living. I wish she could have experienced much more out of life because she was a woman who earned and deserved that right. Although it is many years after I graduated I love Ms. Finn very much and pray that she is in the hands of angels. She was an amazing teacher and an amazing woman who personally touched my heart and the hearts of many others. I am so greatful for the very little time I was able to spend with her and wish I could tell her how much her teachings meant to me in and outside of the classroom. I will never forget my last day as a senior in high school when she read our class Oh! The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. There wasn't a dry eye in the room and that was mainly because of how much Ms. Finn cared for her students and how greatly they cared for her. I am happy to know she is in a better place but I am sad to hear she will no longer be able to bring to studnets the joy and love that she brought to me. I will keep you in my heart always.

Ms. Finn was one of the greatest teachers I have ever had. She was an amazing person and i will never forget her. She will be dearly missed but her legend will continue with the minds of the youth she taught. She is in a better place now where she does not have to struggle and be in pain anymore. Love and Miss you Ms. Finn. RIP!
love, Delaina Cramer pshs 08 grad

I had the pleasure of hiring Rosemary as a Math Teacher at Marist High School. She was an excellent teacher! Always smiling and ready to help any student in need. I had many conversations with Rosemary, and many laughs. I was so fortunate to speak with her a couple of weeks ago. She is now among the Communion of Saints - Everyone who knew her will be able to rest knowing she is still smiling and her eyes are still sparkling. God bless you, Rosemary. Rest in His peace. (Chet Nordyke)

Rosemary was an awesome friend and teacher. She had a feisty spirit and a heart of gold and would give anything to anyone in need. She will be sorely missed by many people.

I have lost a dear friend and will miss her forever. :*( Lea Kuhn