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BORN
1933
DIED
2019
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Shirley Finnigan Obituary
October 17, 1933-August 31, 2019
Passed away peacefully, at the age of 85 with her daughters at her side.Beloved wife of the late Thomas Finnigan; loving mother of Dennis Smith, Lorraine Blondin-Smith (Vikki), Donna Finnigan, Linda Finnigan and Tamara Azzaro (Bob); caring grandmother to fifteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Shirley is also survived by her brother David Donati (Jan) and many close family and friends and her cherished dog Kele.
Born in San Francisco to Sicilian- Portuguese parents, Shirley grew up in the Mission district and for the rest of her life, called this area "home", regardless of where she lived. She and Tom raised their five children in the Visitation Valley area of the city. She worked as a child care provider when her children were young and as they grew, she began working at Mervyn's department store, until she retired after 22 years.
Recognized for her loving heart, genuine kindness, acceptance of everyone and her incredible capacity for forgiveness and humor. Because of these things, she was never alone. Shirley was a social butterfly who loved people, parties, Sinatra, pretty clothes and jewelry. If there was a party, she was there and it wouldn't be long before she was singing "St.Louis Woman". She was an animal lover and cared for many throughout her life.
Shirley's greatest joy came from her family and friends. Although her passing has caused immense grief and hollowness, she has left us with an incredible example of resiliency, through her ability to move forward and enjoy life despite her losses. This will be our light, and guide us to carry on.
We love you mama.
Visitation after 6pm with Rosary at 7pm on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Ave in Daly City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Monday, September 16, 2019 at Mission Dolores Church, 3321 16th St in San Francisco. Interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma. Reception to follow, because Shirley loved a party.
Donations may be made to Muttville, P.O. Box 410207 San Francisco, Ca. 94141 or online at www.muttville.org/donate
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Finnigan
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Lorraine Smith
October 11, 2025
This obituary, whomever wrote it, does not describe my mother whatsoever. My mother was a very proud Can Francisco native. He´s was also very proud of her, Portuguese and Sicilian heritage. My mom was a party person, but she truly enjoyed motherhood and bringing new life into this world. Any obituary can give you dates and times, it takes someone who has known her the longest to truly express who she was and her journey from young adulthood to her last day. . I loved her then. I love her now and I will love her forever. Happy birthday, momma. We will celebrate you next week at, Nicks
Lorraine Smith
August 31, 2025
Momma, six years today you left me. Six minutes, six days, six hundred years and I will never forget you or be okay with you not being here. You´re loved and being remembered by everyone.
Lorraine Smith
September 7, 2024
Mom, the pain of your loss does not get easier. When you took your last breath and your heart stopped my world went black. I have no idea how to go on without you. I try. I really do, but I’m just going through the motions. There’s really no more joy in life. The world has gone crazy. If you had to leave I’m glad it was before the pandemic because I would’ve killed people to be at your bedside. You’re my hero. You’re the bravest person, most forgiving person and the kindest person I’ve ever known. Momma, I miss you. I love you and I can’t wait to be with you again for eternity.
Momma, I miss you so much! We´re all lost without you
September 5, 2023
Lorraine Smith
August 30, 2021
I begged her not to go
In her last moments, my heart began to race
Breath eluded my lungs
I begged her not to go
The room began to spin
I still could not get a breath in
I begged her not to go
As the life left her body and the room became dark
I begged her not to go
I scooped her up into my arms
My tears wet her face
My cries filled the hallways
I begged her not to go
As she took her last breath, I part of me died.
I begged and I begged but she had to go
I cried, momma please no momma don´t leave me.
I begged her not to go
Nothing is the same
Nothing is right
I live day to day until we reunite
I begged her and I begged her please don´t go
She had a beautiful face
She walked with grace
And within her heart you always held a place.
Her voice filled with song
Her gorgeous smile
Hold her close
She´s yours for only a while
Momma
Lorraine Blondin-Smith
May 6, 2021
I bought you a Mother’s Day card but need your address . I miss you more than I could ever imagine momma.
Lorraine Blondin-Smith
March 29, 2020
Momma, its been six months since you left us. Not a single day goes by that I dont think about you. Tears always fall. I must say that at this moment in time Im thankful to know that youre tucked safely in heaven. Its very scary here right now. I love you ❤
Lorraine Blondin-Smith
September 19, 2019
Momma, not a day goes by that I dont think of you. I miss you more than I ever thought possible. One day we will be together again. I love you to infinity and beyond.
Art Gates II
September 12, 2019
Linda, Tammy, Donna, and Lo
I am so sorry about your mom's passing. She was always a treat !
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Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
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