Cecilia Ann Finch

We have lost a central part of our lives in the passing of our beloved Cecilia Ann Finch. She was a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and a cherished friend. Cecilia was so much more than her roles as a Navy dependent, Navy wife, and Navy mother—labels that she wore with pride, but most importantly was the title of Teacher. For twenty-five years, she devoted herself to teaching young children at the elementary level, shaping countless young minds before stepping into a well-deserved retirement.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, William, her two sons, William and Thomas, and her two cherished sisters, Kathy and Honore. Cecilia was a proud grandmother to three wonderful granddaughters: Danielle, Miranda, and Samantha. She now joins her parents and her sisters Susan and Linda, who passed before her.

After attending High School in Massapequa, Long Island, New York, Cecilia carried the warmth of her hometown with her to Upper Iowa University, where she met the love of her life and her lifelong partner, William. Together, they shared a remarkable sixty-two years of marriage, filled with love and laughter. Education was always a passion for Cecilia—she didn’t stop at earning her Master’s Degree in Education but went on to pursue many additional courses, a testament to her belief in lifelong learning.

Cecilia poured her heart into everything she did. She was a guiding force in our local Boy Scout troop, where both her sons achieved the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. Her love for her community shone through her work with organizations like Friends of the Library and the Assistance League of Sierra Foothills. She was an avid reader, always eager to dive into new stories, and her love for literature brought her to join several book clubs over the years.

Her passion for Bridge lit up the lives of those around her—her skill and joy for the game were matched only by the deep friendships she formed over the cards.

Cecilia had an adventurous soul. In addition to joining her father and four sisters on recurring Caribbean cruises over a span of many years, she and William explored the world together, from the sunlit shores of Kauai to the storybook charms of London, Bruges, Belgium, and Swiss villages. Whether walking the scenic streets of Victoria, Canada, or soaking in the serenity of Lake Tahoe, she embraced every journey with great enthusiasm. As the years went on, her heart drew her back to familiar places—Kauai, Monterey Bay, and Napa Valley all of which held special prominence in her memory.

After years of moving with her military family, Cecilia found her forever home in El Dorado Hills, California, where she spent over forty years creating a life filled with love and connection. In 2017, she and William embraced a new chapter, settling into a senior living community. True to her lively nature, she quickly formed a book club and Bridge club there, creating joy and camaraderie for everyone around her.

When Cecilia was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year, she faced it with grace and courage. In her final moments, she was at home with William by her side, just as she had wished.

Cecilia, you have touched so many lives with your strength, kindness, and boundless love. You will forever be remembered as a guiding light in our lives. Rest peacefully, knowing you were deeply loved and will live on in our memories forever and ever.