Elizabeth R. “Betty” Finnessy, 100, of Duke Center, PA passed away Thursday (March 2, 2023) following a brief illness.

​Betty was born Feb. 18, 1923, in New Castle, the daughter of Dr. Jay L. and Jessie N. Reed. She married John J. “Jim” Finnessy Jr. on Sept. 11, 1943, at Camp Roberts in Paso Robles, Calif.

​Mrs. Finnessy was a 1941 graduate of New Castle High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Grove City College in 1948, following her husband’s return from active duty in World War II. 

While at Grove City College she was a member of Pi Gamma Mu and was elected May Queen by the student body in 1948.

​She was employed by Lawrence Park School District prior to moving to Duke Center in 1958, when her husband, Jim, was hired as principal of Otto-Eldred Jr. Sr. High School.

​Mrs. Finnessy was a member of the United Methodist Church in Duke Center, United Methodist Women Society, Duke Center Garden and Study Club, Bridge Club and Otto-Eldred Sports Boosters.

​Mrs. Finnessy is survived by her four children, Dr. John (Sandi) Finnessy of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mr. Greg (Nancy) Finnessy of Chuluota, Fla., Mrs. Nancy (Griff) Bell of Bennett, Colo. and Mrs. Debra (Victor) Buccella of Hamilton, Ont., Canada; seven grandchildren, Lauren (John) Gentry, Kia (Mike) Olson, Scott (Ivy) Finnessy, Kelly (Preston) Kinney, Jay Bell (Kendra Spanjer), Shannon (Dillon) Louderback and Christopher Buccella; along with eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Esther Reed of New Wilmington and Teri Reed of Fairfield, Calif.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

​She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Jay L. Jessie Reed; husband, Jim in 2000; granddaughter, Kathryn F. Proud in 2005; and brothers, Col. John C. Reed in 2008 and Dr. Robert C. Reed in 2021; sister-in-law, Betty F. Combes in 1993 and brother-in-law Jack H. Combes in 2009.

​Betty was a dedicated, caring and loving wife and mother who supported her family in all their endeavors throughout life with strength and encouragement.

​A memorial service will be held at Castle View Memorial Gardens in New Castle, where a private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Duke Center United Methodist Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

​Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com.

The Finnessy family would like to thank the community for all the love and support of their family through their years of residing in Duke Center.