Michele A. Williams

Michele “Mickey” A. Finneran, of Columbus, died September28, 2024, at the age of 70 from complications due to pulmonary arterial hypertension. The youngest of five siblings, she was born February 1, 1954, in Columbus to Barry Dominic and Mary Bernice Finneran.

Growing up with little taught her gratitude and treasuring what she had, as well as the value of love, which she shared unconditionally with her family above all. Smiles and laughter came easily for her and lit the lives of those around her. A peacemaker who believed the best about everyone, Michele was a great listener and would pay attention to each person as if their words were the most important ever said, and she beamed about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a woman of strong faith who leaned on God and trusted in Jesus. Passing this same faith on to many.

She loved anything of beauty, from birds to flowers and nature to sunsets; genealogy; long car rides; and her nightly bowl of ice cream before bed.

Michele graduated from Bishop Ready High School and studied accounting and business at Columbus State Community College. Her first job was in the cafeteria at Mount Carmel Hospital,where she was proud to earn enough money to buy her first car: a 1972 Chevy Nova. She worked for Roche Labs and then for many years, until her retirement, at the State of Ohio Office of Budget and Management.

Michele was proud of her Irish heritage and her formative years in Franklinton (you’d never get away with calling it “The Bottoms” around her) and, with her sister, Katie, served on the Franklinton Bicentennial Committee to commemorate the 1997 occasion with the installation of a statue of the area’s founder, Lucas Sullivant. 

She is survived by her children, Dawn (Chris) Hamilton, Gary Williams, and Marissa (Tommy) Campbell; grandchildren, Christopher (Hillary), Josh (Alyssa), Noah, Michaela, Mollie and Autumn; great-grandchildren Payton, Kaicyn, Shaelynn, Braelon, Bently, Bryson, Brennan and Bayleigh; sisters, Katie Finneran Slattery and Mary (John) Wesley; sister-in-law Barb Finneran; and many nieces and nephews. As well as special longtime friend Sherri Kiser.

Preceding her in death were her parents; sister Joan (Ray) Finneran; first husband, Gary Williams, who she married February3, 1973; brother Patrick Barry Finneran; nephew Patrick Siemer; great-grandbaby Rae’lynn; best friend Debbie Hughes Fleming; and golden retriever, Maggie. After her divorce from Gary Williams, she reconnected and spent 25 years with her high school flame, James “Jim” Reese, who also predeceased her.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Southwest, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123, where the funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 9.