Valentine G. Finner

Valentine Finner Obituary

FINNER VALENTINE FINNER Valentine Gratcheff Finner, 87, of Fairfax, VA, passed away peacefully in the family home on January 25, 2008. Valentine Finner was born to Alexandra Loonin and Ivan Gratcheff in Tsing Tao, China on June 26, 1920. The family immigrated to Australia where she graduated from high school. Valentine worked in a combined office of the US, British and allied armed forces during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. It was here that Valentine met Navy Lieutenant Winn Finner and started a lifelong friendship with the Finner family. She always sent Christmas gifts to the Finner children, such as a cigar box full of seashells she had collected. After World War II, she returned to her home in Brisbane, Australia. On June 5, 1961, Valentine married Winn Frederick Finner in Kingston, Jamaica and shortly thereafter moved to Fairfax, VA.Her studies in Russian at the university level in Brisbane were interrupted by her marriage. In 1969, Valentine and Winn moved to New Delhi, India. She retired to Fairfax, VA in 1972 after Winn passed away. Valentine's many interests were led by her passion for reading and books.She painted, sculpted, gardened, enjoyed music and cooked. Her vast and varied friendships were the central part of her life. Valentine was truly a woman for all seasons and all ages. Valentine was a member of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Washington, DC. She is survived by her three stepchildren, Kathryn L. Fanelli of Fairfax, VA, John Frederick Finner of Virginia Beach, VA and Paul William Finner of Arlington, VA. She had four ste0-grandchildren, Kristin W. Hershberger of Fairfax, VA, Paul Michael Talbot of Centreville, VA, Steven W. Hershberger of Fairfax, VA and John Frederick Finner II of Elizabeth City, NC. She also had one step-great-grandchild, Landon John Finner of Elizabeth City, NC. An Orthodox Slavonic Memorial Liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 in the St. Nicholas Cathedral, 3500 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Interment will be held at a later date in Fairfax Memorial Park in Fairfax, VA. The Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home in Fairfax is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, 2626 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-756-2600.

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Published by The Washington Post from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Valentine Finner

2 Entries

Elaine Shields

January 29, 2008

Farewell to my dearly loved friend of over 50 years. A mentor to me when I first entered the Australian Commonwealth Public Service at the Bureau of Mineral Resources in Canberra - where Val was Secrtary to the Chief Geologist, and godmother to my son. She remained a loyal and loving friend to me and my family. Sadly missed.

Robert Shields

January 29, 2008

I am deeply saddened at the death of my Godmother, Val Finner, and offer condolences to all her family and friends.

Val first met my mother Elaine Shields, over fifty years ago, in Canberra, Australia's capital, and they entered a lifelong friendship, sustained over many years of separation on different continents.

Val and her husband Winn were Godparents to me and to my brother Andrew. Val never forgot a birthday, and I will always treasure in particular the many wonderful books she sent me.

Val was an enormously generous and warm hearted person, with an intelligent and lively mind, who took a keen interest in the world around her. She had an extraordinary life by any measure.

I last saw Val face to face in April 2000, with my wife Robin, at her home in Maple Avenue. She took great pride in her house and magnificent garden.

In more recent years Val took a keen interest in the birth and development of my own children, Daniel and Olivia.

In loving memory of my Aunty Val,

from Robert Shields, and on behalf of my parents Elaine and Bruce, and brother Andrew.

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