Edna Finch

When someone uses the term “lady” to describe Edna Finch, they do so with the full sense of what that word truly means… gentle and proper, quiet yet polite and friendly. Edna maintained a sense of herself that never allowed for disparaging remarks about others. She allowed her actions as a woman, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother and as a friend to be her declaration of her Christianity and faith. Edna will be missed terribly and remembered lovingly. It was November 11th, 1917 and the United States had been at war against Germany for seven months when William C. Block and Clara (Stinson) Block welcomed their daughter, Edna into the world. She was one of four children born to the farm couple near Morley, Michigan. Her childhood was somewhat typical for rural Michigan during the 1920’s. While the rest of the world marveled at talking pictures, the first non-stop transcontinental airplane flight and the Charleston dance craze, Edna and her family enjoyed a simpler way of life revolving around the farm, school and church. For all of the hard work that farm kids did in those days, they were rewarded with swimming holes, kittens in the hayloft and horses to ride. Unfortunately, the latter permanently altered Edna’s life. One day when she went horseback riding she was thrown to the ground and broke her back.

In 1929, when Edna was only 12-years old, the stock market crashed and the United States and the rest of the world fell into what would be known as the “Great Depression.” Through all of this adversity, Edna developed a strong sense of family, community and faith.

Edna’s circle of friends included a local farm boy by the name of William Finch, known to his friends as Bill. Theirs was a friendship and romance that grew out of a common background and shared values. By 1940 they were married and building a home on Mason Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As with so many other young men, Bill was called to duty when the United States entered World War II at the end of 1941. Edna was also called to duty. While Bill was overseas she worked in a factory making fuses for bombs.

Bill arrived home safely after the war and the two enjoyed a busy life. Edna worked at the local Buick dealership enthusiastically driving cars from one dealership to another. She pursued her passion for photography and loved putting slide shows together of trips and events. Edna played cards and dice with several different ladies groups. Most importantly, she used her talents and abilities in the service of her church, the Plainfield United Methodist. As part of her responsibilities in the Ladies Guild, she was in charge of alter flowers for years. Her week was never complete without Sunday morning church service.

In 1962, Edna and Bill decided to adopt two children, Sam, age 12 and Steve, age 5. Knowing how Edna valued order and quiet, it may be hard to imagine this 45-year old woman leaving the 9 to 5 work week and taking on the full-time challenge of two young boys with ideas of their own! It was not the easiest task, yet Edna and Bill found parenthood to be wonderful and fulfilling.

Sam and Steve were given love and stability that allowed them to grow. Annual family vacations to Gatlinburg, Tennessee were especially memorable. Even though Edna’s back could not take the long drive, she was able to fly down and meet up with her three boys to enjoy the site seeing and shopping. She loved to watch the kids swim and play in the pool.

During retirement, Edna and Bill volunteered at the Grand Valley Blood Bank and traveled often. They purchased a motor home that made road trips comfortable enough for Edna and soon they were off! They enjoyed the camaraderie of an RV club and put many a mile on between Michigan and Florida and points in between.

Edna was blessed in the last years of her life by the faithful care of her sons. Her pain, much of which she had gracefully lived with since childhood, subsided on December 1st, 2003 when Edna M. Finch passed away at the age of 86.

Her husband William (Bill) preceded her in death. Edna is survived by her two sons, Samuel (Sam) and Steve Finch, five grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends may meet the family at the Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Road on Wednesday evening, December 3rd from 7 to 9 PM and at the church on Thursday, December 4th from noon until the service at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the American Cancer Society or the Plainfield United Methodist Church.

To read Edna’s life story, share a memory, or make a memorial contribution please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

As we come together to view Edna’s life through memories, stories and pictures we are reminded of the slideshows that she so carefully put together many years ago. She preferred to be behind the camera so she could capture and celebrate all of her blessings…her family, her friends and her faith. We will forever remember how we were blessed to know her.