Norma A. Finlan

Rensselaer- Norma A. Dennison Finlan age 82 of Rensselaer passed away Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. She was born in Washington, DC and lived 62 years in Rensselaer. After Norma graduated High School she worked at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. She was the Director of the Rensselaer Area Senior Service Center. She was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Rensselaer and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society as well as a member of the Rensselaer Women's Democrats. She was also a board member of the Boys and Girls Club in Rensselaer. Norma created the widows and widowers club. She loved to cook for family gatherings- the more the merrier and always invited neighbors. She was an avid Christmas village collector and was so proud of her showcase. Wife of Edward J. Finlan, whom she married on Sept. 5, 1953 at Mount Calvary Church in Forestville, MD. Daughter of the late James W. and Mary E. Dennison. Mother of Patricia (Al) Meister, Barbara Finlan, Peg (Jim) Porpeglia, Deb Finlan, Jon (Kathy) Finlan, Mary (Michael) Farrell and Phyllis Faranda. Sister of James W. (Diane) Dennison and the late Janice Dennison. Grandmother of Charlie, Matthew, Jonathan, Leslie, Megan, Joe, Kelly, Kevin, Kacie, Kurtis, Caleb, Cody, Jacob, Renee, Madeleine, Grace, Ivanya, Emily, Isaac, Jack, Luke, Joshua and Rebecca. Also survived by 11 Great Grandchildren, several nieces, cousins and close friends. Funeral from the W. J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer, Saturday morning at 9:00 and 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church Herrick Street, Rensselaer where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Calling hours will be at the funeral home Friday from 4-7 PM. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. The family would like to thank all of Norma's caregivers for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Pine West Bld. 4 Suite 405 Albany, NY 12205 or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue Menands, NY 12204.