Nancy Finley

MADISON- Nancy Rose Finley, age 68, of Madison, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Oakwood Village in Madison. She was born on June 22, 1947 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the daughter of Maurice and Genevieve Finley.

Nancy attended Gays Mills High School and graduated from DeForest High School in 1965. She earned a BA in journalism at UW-Eau Claire. She loved her family, any library anywhere, taking classes, being silly, drinking wine, eating ice cream, arguing, playing Jeopardy, being Irish, taking the bus, hanging up the phone, the Wisconsin Badgers, gardening at any time of day, getting into trouble, laughing, walking, and dancing. She loved living a few blocks from the State Capitol, eating East Indian food on Christmas, going to random church services on a moment's notice, traveling all over the world, most Democrats, being innkeeper of the year, watching every film that played in town, hotly contested Scrabble games with allegations of cheating, Paisan's, voting, protesting, Jimmy Carter, dollar stores, being a mom/nana, and her friends. She is probably the coolest person the world has seen.

Nancy is survived by her children Travis Schwantes (Rebecca Coffee) and Allison Schwantes Vincent; grandchildren Jackson and Avarose Vincent; Sister Marie Finley (Ken Yarnell); brother Peter (Barb) Finley and; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Richard Ruetten.
A Celebration of Awesomeness will be held at one of her favorite places, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Evjue Commons, 3330 Atwood Av, Madison, WI 53704, on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Nancy is grateful for the support of her family, friends, the caregivers at Oakwood Village and Agrace, and the support of Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin which could use financial support more than we could use flowers, even though flowers are also one Nancy's most favorite things.

Nancy would want you to remember to vote, to be careful, and to have fun.

Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434