Obituaries
Betty Palmer Finney, 95
December 30, 2014
Betty Palmer Finney, 95, died as she had lived, surrounded by beloved family and secure in the arms of Jesus, her Savior. Death occurred in the early morning of Tuesday, December 30, at her home in Willow Valley Lakes, Willow Street.
Born in Trucksville, PA, January 18, 1919, Betty was one of four daughters of Susan
Cure and Charles W. Palmer. She lived most of her married life in Lancaster, first in West Ridge, Millersville, and for the past 20 years at Willow Valley Lakes.
She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Frederick D. Finney, POE. She is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law: Martha & Willis Herr, Lancaster; June & Jacob Rabatin, Charles Town WV; Gretchen and Charles Rehlin, Hilton Head Island, SC; Janet & Thomas Purcell, Lancaster; and Heather and James Eng, Pittsburgh, and foster daughter Supatra and James Lee, Alpharetta, GA. She also leaves 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Betty was known for her never-ending interest in the world around her; she delighted in the wonders of nature and enjoyed sharing her excitement with her great-grandchildren, just as she had with her own daughters, generations earlier. She was an enthusiastic student of alternative medicine and natural remedies. But her greatest joy was growing in the love of Jesus and sharing that joy with others.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8PM on Friday, January 2, 2015, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551. A Celebration of her Life will take place at 11AM, on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at the Willow Valley Lakes auditorium. There will be a time of visitation preceding the service beginning at 9 a.m.
As a tribute to their mother, her children request that her friends remember her joy in giving by sharing a special random act of love in the name of Jesus.
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Condolences to the Family
January 08, 2015
Mrs Finney’s death, I also can’t call her Betty, as I knew from when I was a very little girl, saddens me so much. I am so proud to have known her and received her kindness. As a child, my parents took me to Swan’s Island and I in turn took my own three kids and it remains their favorite vacation Memory. My kids and I visited her and Fred when we got home and my youngest shared a whole map of the island she had made. When my mom died last year, my heart was so happy for a sincere loving hug from her.She was a wonderful peaceful lady with wonderful daughters. I am glad she is now in Heavan with her husband and my mom.
Lynn Addie
Lancaste, Pa
January 05, 2015
Dear Janet and Family, I want to send you my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. No matter what age you are, it is so hard to lose your mom. Even after 14 years, I still miss my mother every day. Remember the happy times! She will always be close by. Sincerely, Sandi (Lehman) and Charlie Beach
January 05, 2015
Dear Janet and Family, I want to send you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. No matter what age you are, it is difficult to lose your mom. Even after 14 years, I miss my mother every day. I wish your family strength in this trying time. Remember all the happy things! She will always be close by. Sincerely, Sandi (Lehman) & Charlie Beach
January 03, 2015
Dear Marty, Willy and family, I send you condolences on the loss of your dear mother and mother-in-law. I understand from Ruth that Betty was a most vital woman, a joy to be around, and a blessing to her whole family. In deepest sympathy, Marilyn Hamid Lieber
January 03, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Betty. She was such a delightful and kind person. She loved Swans Island and it was always fun to go visit with both her and Fred and have Lancaster and the island in common. She will be missed.
Jill and John Trask
January 03, 2015
Dear Finney Family (especially Janet & Heather),
I know it’s been just a “few” years since we were neighbors so this is a bit of a blast from the past. My Mother (Joan Reid) has updated me from time to time on the happenings of the Finney family and it was always nice to hear how well everyone seemed to be doing. After hearing of Betty’s passing ( who I prefer to call “Mrs. Finney” as that is how I knew her growing up) I suddenly realized I missed my last opportunity to thank her for the cider and cookies she gave me in her garage that one fall day in 1964. (The year a bit of a guess..but close I think). I remember nibbling on the cookies as I talked to Fred who was working diligently on his precious red canoe. ( I bet Janet & Heather remember that canoe). It’s funny how the mind works in moments following the passing of a beloved mom. I see Fred swooping down in his gleeming red canoe to snatch up his bride as they paddle off on the odyssey of their second honeymoon. May their journey together be as eternal and loving as it was here on earth.
January 03, 2015
Sorry to hear about the death of Betty. I don’t think I ever met her, but I know one of her daughters, Heather, as a friend. Betty must have been a delightful, interesting person. I know you will all miss her, but know that she is with Jesus who is caring for her now. Blessings to her and to you all.
Bill Minkler (from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh PA)
January 02, 2015
Dear Finney Family,
The Yorks, being close neighbors and friends of your mother and father for many years, and friends and schoolmates to you in the “growing-up” years, want to pass on our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your dear mother. Betty was a caring and kind person who will always be remembered as the “heart” of her family, and one of the “hearts” of her church along with Nan, Jean, Mary Jane and many other strong women. Peter’s & my personal fondest memories are of the many good times we spent with her, your dad, and the extended families when we were lucky enough to spend our vacations the same week at Puzzle, many, many times in the past! We so enjoyed being a part of the extended group while there. We were very happy to see her and glad to spend some time with her and Janet last year at Jean Roth’s memorial. It is so sad for all of us left behind that this great group of women have almost all gone to a better place, but their legacy will carry on in the love they gave to their families and church. God will bless all of them, and continue to bless us with great memories of the love they gave to us! We are very sorry for her loss to all of you as a beloved mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, and hope that the wish conveyed in Betty’s obituary will be carried out by many in “acts of kindness” that will keep on spreading the legacy of love of your mother and your whole family in the name of our Lord-
With love and deepest sympathy,
Pete and Connie York
January 02, 2015
Although my mother Edna and brother Joe (“Birdwell”) had a closer and longer relationship with all of you, I treasured the time I knew Betty, Fred and you daughters. I cherish so many fond memories of our families’ earlier years. Betty was a good church friend of my mother’s before her death in 2001. My husband and I also enjoyed visiting with Betty each Sunday after she moved to Willow Valley and began attending our church – First United Methodist in Lancaster. She was such a loving and wonderful person who raised such a fantastic family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of mourning and celebration of Betty’s life! Jean Bradel, West Fenwick, Delaware
January 02, 2015
Sorry for your loss Janet. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” My dad was almost 95 when he left for his Heavenly home 2 years ago. Again, my deepest sympathy to the family. Linda Hines
January 02, 2015
When we moved next door to Betty and Fred in 1960 with our three little boys I was delighted to hear they had five girls. There must be something in the water. Hope for a girl for me, too. (had a fourth boy ) then I met Mrs. Palmer! Betty’s mother had 12 granddaughters. Maybe not the water. But what glorious girls they raised! The whole family was so involved, active, loving, bright, and fun. Betty was a wonderful mother, wife, neighbor and friend. Anyone who could call her “Friend” was fortunate . I was fortunate for 55 years. With love. Joan Reid
January 02, 2015
I have fond memories of Betty on Swan’s Island. I first knew her back in the late 70″²s, her spirit has always been a bright one. I will gladly honor her loving spirit by an act of kindness. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you adjust to life without this wonderful woman.
Sincerely, Tammy (Smith) Tripler, Swan’s Island
January 01, 2015
What a wonderful woman she must have been to have raised five such lovely daughters. Athough the body is mortal, the love cotinues to live and grow. Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Tom and Barbara Ingersoll
January 01, 2015
Betty was a caring, loving woman. She will be missed by her family and friends. Because of her and Fred, we found Swans Island, ME and have called it our home away from home for over 40 years. We now share it with extended family and enjoy the nature it has to offer. Thank you for introducing us to this little piece of heaven. God rest her soul.
Love,
Sue & John Blake
Raleigh, NC
January 01, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you girls. Betty was one of the finest ladies I have ever known and I will miss her friendship. May the Lord bless each of you in the days to come.
Lee W. Addie, Fort Myers, FL
December 31, 2014
Dear Heather, James, David and Robin:
Dixie and I send our deepest smpathy and we will keep all of you in our prayers as you mourn the loss of your dear Mother, Mother-in-law and Grandmother. Please know we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Dixie and John
- Services
- Saturday, January 03, 2015
- 11:00 AM
- Willow Valley Lakes Auditorium
- 300 Willow Valley Lakes Dr.
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
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