Obituary of Emily Jean (Williams) Finney

Emily passed away peacefully at Stirling Heights Long Term Care, Cambridge on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at the age of 91.

She will be fondly remembered by her son Bruce Williams (Kathy Kinzie), her two grandsons Gavin (Amy), Kyle, and two great grandchildren, Violet and Odin, step grandchildren Heather Flannagan (John), Shelley Leis (Brian) and Dan Williams (Lori) and their families, brother John, sisters-in-law Dorothy and Fran and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her son Glenn 1977, husbands Stewart Williams and Stan Finney, step children Ruth Schweitzer and her husband Stan, Roy Williams and his wife Doreen, siblings Robert, Hugh, Arnold, Donalda Hudlet and her husbands Hans Hudlet and Clifford Schaus, parents Emily and Alexander.

Emily was swept off her feet and away from the family farm at the age of 19 by a handsome older man, Stewart Williams. She had 31 years of happy marriage with Stew, they spent many weekends dancing, playing cards with friends, entertaining and socializing but most memorable was fishing and exploring in Tobermory with their two little fishermen, Bruce and Glenn. They also had a large garden that stocked their pantry for the whole year and provided the ingredients for her wonderful cooking and baking most especially her PIES!

After the grievous loss of her 21 year old son Glenn followed 1 ½ years later by Stewart’s death, Emily found her way back to life and happiness with the help of her faith and many friends and family. The members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church were especially important to her.

Emily was strong and resilient and committed herself to a second loving relationship with Stan Finney in 1980, lasting 22 yrs. With Stan she travelled to many destinations in North America and a few outside, she enjoyed relaxing at their trailer and tending a much reduced garden.

We knew Emily was slipping away when she no longer remembered our birthdays. Her phenomenal memory was legendary, recalling dates, times, places and anything to do with numbers. This facilitated her ability to organize and orchestrate life at home and at work.   She was church secretary for 27 years, the perfect job for Emily. She was also a member of the WMS, active volunteer and elder. She worked with dignity, devotion and passion, generously giving of her time and attention. She made great efforts to always give full measure.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Emily with her family during a memorial visitation at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. N., Kitchener on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday following the visitation, with Rev. Greg Smith officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall.

Condolences for the family and donations to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) or a charity of choice may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.