Margaret Ann Smerdel Finley

92, was born on September 12, 1918 in Indianapolis to Anna and Joseph Smerdel. She passed away peacefully July 1, 2011 in Palm Harbor, FL. “Margie” grew up in Indianapolis, married her sweetheart James F. “Bud” Finley and raised three daughters there until they retired to Florida in 1977.

Margaret was a devout Catholic. She worshipped at Holy Trinity and Sacred Heart in Indianapolis and St. Jerome’s in Indian Rocks, Florida. She was an avid gardener and seamstress and loved to play the organ. Margaret learned to play golf in Florida and competed well into her 80’s (earning TWO hole-in-one trophies after age 65!). Many golf clubs were collected by Margie and Bud and donated to “Chi-Chi’s Kids” charity.

Margaret is survived by her children Margot Palamara, Judy “Sharon” (Larry) May, and Kathy (Frank) Evans. Her grandchildren Diana (Mark) Black, Steven (Michelle) and Sherry Palamara, Tom, Jim (Patty), Mike (Hana) and Kevin Kern, Bryan, Scott (Shannon) and Angie Evans, and Kari May and 16 great-grandchildren. Grandma always remembered birthdays. She is also survived by her brother Joseph (Marie) Smerdel, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James “Bud” Finley, grandson David Palamara, brother Boyan Smerdel and sisters Josephine Kreffel and Freda Dezelan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Funeral Mass will be Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church with interment in Crown Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements by Little & Sons Funeral Home Stop 11 Road Chapel.