Donna Finucane Obituary

My condolences to her family. She was a great teacher. I had her for freshman bio in 1981. She gave me a great start in the sciences which I continued with through college. Thank you.

remember having Miss Finucane as my biology teacher. She instilled a love of science in me. She was an extremely knowledgeable professional, who treated all with integrity and respect. She will be missed.

Donna was a friend of mine at Reavis High School. She was held in high esteem for both her teaching expertise and her role as the first femaile administrator within administration at Reavis High School. She was a trail blazer and admired by the staff and students at Reavis High School. I send my sincere sympathy to her family and Ken. May she rest in peace.

Our sympathies to Donnas family and friends. Donna was one of the original homeowners in our community and will be missed.
Forest Ridge Duplex Association

Miss Finucane was an exceptional teacher. She was tough but fair. Her passion for biology inspired me and many others at Reavis in Freshman Biology to love learning the subject. Thank you for your dedication Miss Finucane: it is still remembered and appreciated 47 years later.

Dear Donna, you were a dear friend at Reavis School to me. We had some brilliant conversation together. It was always in fun to make us laugh. The world has lost a precious lady. You always made things lighthearted and positive. My sincere sympathy to Ken and your family. Your forever friend, Barbara Pelech Fahey.

She was an excellent biology teacher. I learned a lot from her.

My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort bring the family peace in this difficult time.

My first class as a freshman at Reavis in 1969 was biology w Ms Finucane. She was so excited that Sesame Street was premiering that morning and spoke extensively of its importance to society. I also remember her class on DNA and how it was going to change how we solve crimes in the future. This woman was a visionary! It took me longer (finances) to finish college (13 years!). She always encouraged me and sent me a present upon graduation. My late mom Anna Kerlin was a secretary at Reavis and counted Ms Finucane as a close friend and confidant. Rest In Peace kind lady.

RIP & God Speed Ms. Finucane, you were one of my favorite teachers at Reavis. You made learning fun.
Curt Petrey Class of 1977

Tante Donna, Aunty Donna
Donna traveled the world with the love of her life, Ken Nieminski. He was the love of her life and made her smile like I have never seen. I can never thank him enough for making her so happy for so many years. Donna was deeply devoted to her mother and took care of her until she passed. Donna would do anything for anyone. My aunt was a superhero to me. A strong, kind, caring, loving, happy, friendly person who loved unconditionally. She never gave up loving someone no matter how difficult they could be, I am so lucky she loved me without question. She took me and my sisters everywhere when we were kids and adults. I always remember hopping in the car to go on an adventure or a road trip. Donna always encouraged me to be smart, get good grades, be good to others without question. She always was giving to everyone. She used to leave gift certificates and make fresh lemonade to the post office workers who dropped off her mail. She would mail me little articles with sweet notes that made her think from me from the newspaper. She was there for every single event in my life, all of my milestones big and small. Donna loved Liam and always was so happy to see him and hear about him. I don't know how to honor such a great life in just a few words. Donna made sure we were always safe, sound and taken care of. Donna made me feel calm and safe and loved. She was there for me and everyone one in the family. She loved the White Sox and the city of Chicago. I remember calling her the night the Sox won the World Series. Something special we shared was the love of baseball. Donna loved gardening and birdwatching. She loved being outside and on the go. She never wanted anyone to feel left out or lonely. She flew to New Jersey when I was homesick just to make me feel happy and loved. She made everyone feel special. She was selfless and kind. Tante Donna, I thank you for your constant presence in my life, guidance and love in my life. I miss you beyond words. Your love is immeasurable.