Betty Finch, born Elizabeth Martha Rahn to Martha (Reip) Rahn and Arthur Rahn of Stratford, CT, passed away at the age of 86, on August 5th after a short time in hospice care at her home in Mystic, CT.
Betty loved helping people, playing Scrabble, scenic drives, making art, listening to music, cowboys, birds, marbles, and cryptograms. She was always reading, learning and trying to encourage those around her till the very end. Above all, she loved her family and will always be deeply missed.
Betty was predeceased by her loving husband of 34 years, Hardy Rundel Finch III and her twin brother Jimmy (James), who was a dear friend. She is survived by her brothers, Dr Ronald (Ronny) Rahn, and Roger Rahn, daughters Jennifer Finlayson (Sean) and Jessica Finch, granddaughters Sharon Primett (Mathew), Anna, Rachael, Lily Finlayson and, the delight of her heart, great-granddaughter Cessair.
Betty believed that education, creativity, and curiosity were vital and she made sacrifices to give her two daughters many of the opportunities she did not have. Growing up in an era when women didn't have many options, she made bold choices to support herself and graduated in 1960 with her BS in nursing from University of Bridgeport.
After graduation she met her dear husband Hardy with whom she ran Finch Ceramics in Hamden and Meriden CT. For many years she led Girl Scout troops, taking pride in raising the next generation. She armed her scouts with skills to be positive, confident women who make a difference in their world. She was an active part of Bishop Seabury since 1990, including recently becoming a member of the Daughters of the Holy Cross order.
With more than 50 years of service as a nurse, she touched many lives. Her work in public health & geriatric care included Fairview Oddfellows Home, and Groton Public Health through to VNA of SECT.
She lived by these words, “Good better best, never let it rest, always make the good better and the better best”
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 11am at Bishop Seabury Anglican Church, 6 Hurlbut Road in Gales Ferry.