Sister Annette Finlayson

Obituary Sister Annette Marie Finlayson 1921 ~ 2008 Sister Annette Marie Finlayson, OSF (formerly Sister Imelda Joseph), died at St. Ann Convent, Tacoma, on November 5, 2008. She was eighty-seven years of age. Sister Annette was born in Baker, Oregon in 1921, graduated from St. Francis Academy, and entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia congregation in 1939. Sister Annette earned Bachelor Degree in Education and Music from Marylhurst College in Portland, and a Master Degree in English from Gonzaga University in Spokane. She ministered in both elementary and secondary education, was a music teacher, and served in congregational ministry. Sr. Annette served in the Dioceses of Baker, Seattle, Spokane, and Portland. She was known for her excellence in teaching. She had a great love of music and English. Many of her students attribute their deep appreciation of art, literature and music to her. Their lives were enriched by her teaching. In Tacoma she taught at St. Leo High School and at Bellarmine. She particularly enjoyed her experience of being on the transition team for the establishment of Bellarmine as a coeducational school. Sister served on the Board of the Franciscan Health System in the 1970's and 1980's, She was very committed to the Franciscan mission of serving the poor and was very interested in finding a way to improve the health of the Tacoma community. Her education, experience, and dedication in many areas of service were recognized by the Sisters of her Order. She was asked to serve in leadership of the congregation both regionally on the West Coast, and nationally in Philadelphia. Since 1999, Sister spent her life in prayer and study. She kept well informed of local, regional, and global issues and kept the core issues in her prayers and conversations. She loved studying Franciscan spirituality and offered significant insight into how to live the Franciscan Way of Life. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am November 12, 2008 at St. Ann Convent. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Sister Annette is survived by her Franciscan family. Donations in her memory can be made to The Sisters of St. Francis, 6602 South Alaska St. Tacoma, WA 98408