Patricia Mary Finch

Patricia Maguire Finch, age 80, of Geneva, Florida and San Diego, CA, passed away on July 18, 2014. Patricia was born in Queens, New York on January 1, 1934 to Cecile and Charles Maguire. She attended Bishop McDonnell High School and Berkley Business School in NYC. In 1952 Patricia attended a class luncheon at the same hotel as visiting RAF pilots, temporarily training in the U.S. to fly jets for the Korean War. A decision was made to charity raffle off the business cards left by the pilots and Patricia won John Finch’s business card. Without ever meeting him, she requested by mail that John send her postcards from his travels. They became pen pals as the dashing young pilot dutifully mailed Patricia her postcards. After 18 months, the couple finally arranged to meet in NYC - both brought friends, in case it wasn’t love at first sight! Three days of whirlwind dating ensued before John returned to his Air Force duties in England. The two corresponded for 4 more years and in 1957, Patricia happily accepted a long distance marriage proposal and married John in England. Thus began her new life overseas, involving different countries, diverse customs and a growing family. Patricia gave birth to daughters Karen and Gerry while in England. In 1961 the Finch’s were stationed in Ghana, where she gave birth to her son Kevin. When the children were older, Patricia pursued her passion as a pre-school teacher. For 12 years she positively impacted the lives of many young students in her care. Patricia was a wonderful wife and mother and enjoyed the adventure of life in England, Ghana, Germany and Scotland, during her husband’s RAF career. In 2000, Patricia and John moved to the U.S. to be closer to their three children and grandchildren. Patricia (“Nini”) will always be remembered for her kindness and loyalty to everyone she met. She had a deeply profound love of family and friends as well as an unwavering faith. Patricia’s legacy on earth is her perpetual gift of unconditional love. She is survived by her husband John Finch; daughter Karen and son-in-law Dan Phillips; daughter Gerry (Geraldine) and son-in-law Chris Barlow; son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kay Finch; grandchildren Anya, Erin and Rhys Phillips; Samantha and Sean Barlow; Sophie and Dominic Finch; and her sister Geri (Geraldine) Stover and brother-in-law Carl Stover and their children Christy, Elizabeth, Caroline and John Carl. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to www.jackacademy.com in honor of Patricia's love of children.