Helen Irene Finley

Helen I Finley, age 101 of Rochester, formerly of Chatfield passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Samaritan Bethany Home in Rochester with her family by her side.

Helen was born on December 5, 1923 in the Dover area to John and Ethel (Foreman) Gardner. She attended school in Chatfield and graduated from Chatfield High School. She married Lloyd (Mike) Finley and moved to Texas while Mike was stationed in the Army. The young couple moved back to Chatfield and lived on the farm until his passing in 1985. A year later Helen moved to Rochester. She retired after working at JCPenney for 35 years. She greatly enjoyed traveling, going to casinos and luncheons with friends. She was a lifelong member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Chatfield.

She is survived by her two sons Michael of Fairfield, CA and Robert (Linda) of Eagan, MN, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister Audrey Arens of Wichita Falls, TX, one sister-in-law Lola Gardner of Rochester, MN and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband sister Phillis Hanson and five brothers Richard, Lyle, Duane, Kirk and Forest.

Funeral services for Helen will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church with Pastor Alice Applequist officiating.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 one hour prior to services at the church.

Burial will follow in the Chatfield Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.