5/17/1958 – 4/2/2024
Lawrence, KS
Loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, Jean Marie Finch, passed away unexpectedly on 2 April 2024 at her home. Jean was born on 17 May 1958, and spent her childhood in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. She was a gifted student, where alongside her academic excellence, she also starred in drama and swam competitively. She graduated with honors from Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School in Wichita, then attended the University of Kansas, where she majored in English Literature.
While at KU, she met her future husband Ray; they were married in June 1978. Upon graduation, Jean supported Ray and their growing family in his Army career, moving to Oklahoma, Germany, California, and Kansas. Even amidst the demands of motherhood (or maybe because of them), Jean began training as a long-distance runner in the early 1980s, going on to compete in many races including the San Francisco, Kansas City, Berlin, and Boston marathons. She also earned a certification as a Montessori instructor, teaching for nearly a decade at the Montessori Childrens’ House of Lawrence and in Atrium – a faith-based Montessori program at both St. John’s and the Haskell Catholic Center. Later, she tutored at-risk Native American children in a special program within USD 497.
In 2009, Jean made her profession as a secular Franciscan in the Franciscan Order, where she continued to follow the Gospel in the model of St. Francis. In 2016, Jean became the Director of the Haskell Catholic Center, where she has served with the utmost patience, professionalism, and kindness. She was tireless in her efforts to both attract and instruct Haskell students, staff, and faculty to the beauty and wisdom of the Christian faith.
Despite all of her academic, sporting, professional and spiritual accomplishments, her greatest joy stemmed from her role as mother and grandmother. She loved her children and grandchildren with undying loyalty, ardent affection, and everlasting concern. She would do literally anything for them.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents (Robert and Marigene DesMarteau), her aunt and uncle (Joann and John Phillips), her brothers (Phil and Steve DesMarteau), a daughter (Maria) who died in infancy, and nephew (Bobby). She is survived by her husband, (Ray), her children (John and his spouse Raelean, Katie and her partner Sean, Ray IV and Tommy), grandchildren (Elizabeth, Caileigh, Solomon, Sebastian and Molly), her sister (Tricia and husband, Kevin Leeper) and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jean will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her. All are welcome to attend any of the following ceremonies. We will hold a visitation and Rosary from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, 11 April at Warren-McElwain Mortuary (120 W 13th St, Lawrence). We will have a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m., Friday, 12 April 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Church (1234 Kentucky St, Lawrence). Immediately following, we will conduct a green burial of Jean’s remains at Oak Hill Cemetery (1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence). Finally, we will hold a luncheon reception from 12:30-4 p.m. at the Lawrence Union Pacific Depot (402 North Second Street, Lawrence).
Memorial contributions can be made to one of the local charities listed below:
Lawrence DARE Center: https://www.darecenterlawrence.org/takeaction
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center: https://www.bertnash.org/support
Family Promise of Lawrence: https://lawrencefamilypromise.org/donate-now/
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