Corinne M. Finn

Corinne Mary Finn (nee Skowron) passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 21, 2022. She is survived by her devoted husband, William J. Finn, Sr.; loving children William J. Finn, Jr (Kirsten), Andrea T. Finn, and Rebecca Ewald (Eric); adoring grandchildren Sommer Finn, Emily Ewald, and Macy Ewald and step-grandchildren Samuel Mulvey and Margaret Mulvey. Corinne is preceded into heaven by her second child, Christopher Edwin Finn, who passed away in 2020.

A longtime resident of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Corinne was born to parents Esther and Edwin Skowron on August 4, 1942, in the Polish-Italian Brady Street area of Milwaukee. She is survived by her older sister Patricia Biebl and younger brother Arthur Skowron.

Corinne is a proud graduate of Holy Angels Academy high school, where she formed many lifelong relationships. She passed this legacy of faith and strength to her accomplished daughters Andrea and Rebecca, who both graduated from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (1991 and 1996, respectively), and went on to lead successful careers in biotechnology and public administration. Corinne lived her strong values in education, hard work, and the power of women to control their own lives, at a time when feminism and women’s liberation were just beginning.

She graduated from Alverno College in 1964 with a degree in Medical Technology.  Her degree launched her 30-year career as a medical technologist in the laboratory at St. Michael Hospital on Milwaukee’s north side. Following her retirement, she continued to serve as a medical technician for oncology patients.

Corinne married her husband William Finn, Sr. 54 years ago on October 23, 1967, at Saint Hedwig Church in Milwaukee. They raised four children: William, Jr., Christopher, Andrea, and Rebecca. Corinne was the spiritual leader of her family and built a life of faithful service at Saint Monica Catholic Church in Whitefish Bay. Together, the family participated for many years in the Saint Monica Family Choir. She was an avid lector and served as a Eucharistic minister at mass and to home-bound parishioners in the community.

Corinne loved spending time and celebrating life events with immediate and extended family at the summer cottage purchased by her father in 1946 on Lake Waubesee in Racine County. In her teenage years, she delighted in her talent for stunt water-skiing. Her family, and family activities, were the center of her life.

As her children grew and established their own lives, Corinne applied her dedication, time, and talent to the Saint Monica parish community, echoing the example of her father, Ed Skowron, in her childhood parish of St. Hedwig. She and her husband Bill, Sr. counseled many couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. She advocated and sponsored the parish residency of Father Jordan Berghouse, with whom she felt a deep faith resonance, and welcomed as a member of her own family. Her investment in the parish community touched the lives of many. Through her faith, she listened, empathized, supported, and served – selflessly, and with love.

As a mother, she remained a steadfast, constant light in her children’s lives – through life-changing accidents, relationships, challenges and successes. She spoke her mind, and acted, always with unflinching love and unflagging support.

As her family expanded, Corinne was devoted to her grandchildren, Sommer, Emily, and Macy, all young girls. She invested in their lives, and took special interest in passing on her love, energy, and wisdom as they continued to grow. Corinne expressed unconditional love for her children’s life partners and their families: son-in-law Eric, daughter-in-law Kirsten, and step-grandchildren Sam and Maggie. She believed in welcoming and including all partners and children in family gatherings and activities.

While her spirit, mind, and will were strong, her health was beset with significant concerns that wore her earthly body down. In the end, advanced stage multiple myeloma, a bone marrow-based cancer, was discovered and led to a painful, rapid decline in health. Corinne was able to gracefully guide her family through final life decisions and shared final moments with family and close friends in hospice care, free of pain. She also made sure, in her final days, that every medical staff associate at the hospital and hospice knew they were valued and appreciated, and she prayed for them.

Corinne loved a party and bright colors. Among her final requests were that we celebrate her life with a party and that all funeral attendees and guests wear the color yellow. On her behalf, her family invites you to celebrate her life and love today, and every day, with a celebration (no matter how small) of joy in those you hold dear, and a spirit of faith and service.

Family and friends will gather  to Celebrate Corinne on Friday, May 13, 2022 at St. Monica Catholic Church 5681 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 from 9:30 am until 10:45 am.  Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Corinne can be directed to BORP (Bay Area Outreach and Recreation) https://www.borp.org.