Patricia J. Finnegan Obituary (1927 - 2019)

Patricia J. Finnegan, 91, of Pontiac, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 24, 2019, surrounded by family, at Evenglow Inn, in Pontiac. She leaves behind a large, loving family and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Pontiac with visitation an hour prior at the funeral home. Family and friends may also call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019, at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, with the rosary recited at 3:30. Burial will take place at St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery, Odell. Patricia "Pat" was born October 4, 1927, in Pontiac, to Edward and Gertrude (Dobbs) Rafferty. She married Paul Finnegan on January 11, 1947, in Pontiac. He passed away on September 12, 1994. Surviving are seven daughters and one son, Paula (Ken) Boerman of Keller, TX, Sheila Rainbolt of Pontiac, IL, Mary (Rick) Grapski of Knoxville, TX, Rita (Larry) Finnegan-Zajac of Brooklyn, NY, Patty (Brad) Bucklin of Chatham, IL, Molly (Sam) Portis of St. Simons Island, GA, Joseph (Lisa) Finnegan of Denver, CO, and Roseanne (Matt) Culligan of Downers Grove, IL; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; sister, Mary (Joe) Ruddy of Pontiac, IL; and sister-in-law, Sr. Edwina Finnegan of Springfield, IL. Also preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Paul; brothers, James Rafferty and Edward Rafferty; son, James Finnegan; daughter, Kathleen Sullivan; son-in-law, David Rainbolt; and infant grandson, Daniel Culligan. Pat grew up in Pontiac and attended St. Marys Catholic School. She was a graduate of Pontiac Township High School, and she never missed a Class of 45 reunion. She was a homemaker and operated the family farm with her husband, Paul, northwest of Odell. She lived there for 60 years before moving to Pontiac. She was a past member of St. Pauls Catholic Church, St. Pauls Ladies Sodality, Catholic Daughters of America, and she was proud to have served as a trustee of Nevada Township. Pat enjoyed traveling and visiting with her family. She looked forward to our family reunions and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Pat will be lovingly remembered as a devoted and giving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Evenglow Lodge, Evenglow Inn, and Transitions Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion shown to our mom. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Marys Catholic School, Special Olympics, or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.