Myra Elizabeth Finnemore Obituary (1939 - 2013)

AUGUSTA- Myra Elizabeth Finnemore, 73, of Augusta and E. Winthrop, passed away peacefully at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation, Glenridge, on Monday morning, March 25, 2013 with her primary caregivers and nieces, Linda Clark Ruman and Karen Colomy O’Connor by her side. She was born on April 10, 1939 in Presque Isle, Maine, the daughter of Leonard R. and Maxine (Everett) Finnemore. She attended schools in El Monte, California; Caribou and Augusta, Maine; and was a proud graduate of Cony High School in 1956. She also attended the Catherine Gibbs Business School in Boston. Immediately following graduation, Myra was employed with the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions for 13 years. She was active in the MSEA Hollingdale Chapter as representative from the IAC, serving on the 25th Anniversary ball committee, and numerous other chapter committees. She worked with Lowden Accounting Service in Winthrop for several years before returning to State Government with the Department of Labor where she worked in numerous capacities before retiring in 1999 after 40 years of service with state government. Following retirement, Myra kept busy during tax season volunteering at the Cohen Center assisting with the filing of income tax returns. Active in sports her entire life, Myra played softball for the Cony rams, and for the Winthrop Women’s softball team. She was a member of the Women’s State Bowling League who had received her 200 and 500 pins, winning a number of titles and trophies. She was also a member of the Women’s International Bowling Committee and travelled extensively throughout the United States competing in numerous championships throughout the 1970’s. Myra also served as WIBC Association Director and Association Treasurer. Bowling was fun; however, golf was Myra’s passion. She played out of the Augusta Country Club in Manchester where she competed in numerous league play and club championships. At the time, golf was a male dominated sport, but Myra didn’t let that stop her. As the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors, she was instrumental in persuading other Board members to give women equal attention and opportunities. The Country Club was Myra’s second home and she enjoyed the company of her many friends there. Following retirement, she remained active and regularly played and dined at the club. In 2008 the Augusta Country Club presented Myra with a life time membership for her achievements. Myra loved to travel, and her bowling and golfing competitions allowed her to visit most of the 50 states. She enjoyed the Maine coast, especially rides to Ocean Point. Competitive card games were a fixture in the Finnemore home on most weekends, and Myra also enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends at the Country Club. Myra’s favorite color was blue, like her eyes, and she enjoyed (Heinz) ketchup on most of her favorite foods, including potatoes, eggs, peas, hot dogs and well-done hamburgers. She overcame many challenges in her life to remain an independent, strong and determined woman, and a champion on many different levels. Myra loved her family and she was predeceased by her parents Leonard and Maxine Finnemore; a brother John Finnemore; sisters Jacqueline Finnemore Colomy and Patricia Finnemore Clark; nephews Bruce Clark and Kenneth Colomy; and great nephew Jason Ruman. Myra is survived by her nieces Linda Ruman, Karen O’Connor, Judith, Jill and Deb Colomy, and Heather Finnemore; nephew Christopher Finnemore; and sister in law Sylvia Finnemore Thistle. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Glenridge Alzheimer’s, particularly the “Blue Cove”, for their wonderful care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in Myra’s memory may be made to MaineGeneral Rehab, Glenridge Alzheimers, 40 Glenridge Dr., Augusta 04330 and/or bring a stuffed animal to her life celebration for children in local area hospitals. A memorial celebration of Myra’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, May 17 at the Augusta Country Club, where a reception will immediately follow. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com