Alice Joan Finnegan

Alice Joan Finnegan passed away in her home, embraced by her loving husband and son, on July 30, 2017. Born, raised and educated in Anaconda, second of fourteen children, along with her parents Albert and Alice (Kelly) Clark, generated the constant hum in and around the family home which still continues to this day. Within eight months after high school graduation, she spread her wings and relocated to Seattle, Washington, where she was employed as a processing clerk. In April of 1961, Alice married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Larry, who was stationed in Texas. Here she gave birth to their first child, Alan, and after a transfer to Arizona, gave birth to their second child, Craig. Alice and her family returned to Anaconda in November of 1965. Alice's family was her first focus. Every Sunday was a family dinner at her parent's home on West 3rd, where all her siblings, nieces and nephews gathered. She was the best homemaker, seamstress, cook, gardener and family historian. Everyone who knew her benefited from her giving nature which is how she demonstrated her love to all. She was totally devoted to her husband and their marriage was filled with love, trust, support, humor and commitment; which she said helped her to achieve her successes. Her fierce belief in preserving Anaconda's history drove her to be one of the founders of the Tri-County Historical Society (presently the Marcus Daly Historical Society). And served as it's volunteer director until 1988. Through toil and tears she was instrumental in saving Anaconda's Smoke Stack, Davidson Block, Copper Village Museum, the City Hall and the city's historical street lights. Alice honed her interest in historical research as a federal census worker and professional genealogist. It was during this time she realized the unique community within Anaconda's boundary known as "Goosetown" needed its history more closely researched. Thus, was born one of her greater accomplishments authoring the book "Goosetown In Their Own Words". One of Montana's greatest historians leaves behind a legacy greater than the scope of our vision. Her energy and inspiration is imbued throughout the city of Anaconda, it's residence and her family. She is held in high esteem and will be remembered for her love of history, her contributions to community and her dedication to family. Alice is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Joseph and Gene and her son Craig. Alice is survived by her husband Larry Finnegan, her son and his wife, Alan (Michelle) Finnegan, her grandchildren, Collin Blackett, McCauley Finnegan and Heath Finnegan. Siblings include; Albert Clark, Robert (Nancy) Clark, Larry (Barbara) Clark, Mary Lou (Jim) Furas, Ruth Ann Puccinelli, Barbara (Dan) Whittaker, Janice (Tom) Sweeney, Jerry (Cindy) Clark, Susan Clark, Bill (Fran) Clark, Laureen (Rob) Hensley and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. tonight (Wednesday), August 2, 2017 at the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Chapel with the Vigil starting at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Camp Mak-A-Dream, PO Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806-1450 or a charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation

AUG 2. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (MDT)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Vigil

AUG 2. 7:00 PM (MDT)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Visitation

AUG 3. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (MDT)

St. Peter's Catholic Church 4th St. and Alder St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

AUG 3. 10:30 AM (MDT)

St. Peter's Catholic Church 4th St. and Alder St. Anaconda, MT 59711