Contributions to the tribute of Mary Catherine Folke

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Beth Finneran planted a tree in memory of Mary Folke

Sunday, July 18, 2021

This tree is just a symbol of how your love will live on, Aunt Mimi! We love you! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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Beth Finneran posted a condolence

Sunday, July 18, 2021

When I was about four years old, my family moved back to NY from New Orleans and we didn’t have a house yet, so we stayed for a while with Grandma and Grandpa Finneran and Mimi was kind enough to let me share her bedroom with her. She even shared her bed with me, because there was nowhere else for me to sleep. I remember every night her telling me stories and making me laugh. I remember this time, which was probably very trying for my parents, as they tried to find us a new home, relocating back to NY, as a very fun time. Sometimes Mimi would even let me jump on her bed, which to me felt like being on a trampoline and I would giggle uncontrollably as I bounced until one day I went flying across the room and landed on the floor and ended up with this big, huge bump on my head. Mimi immediately ran to get ice and hugged me and told me everything was going to be ok. I was especially worried because I started kindergarten the next day and I didn’t want to start kindergarten with a big, bump on my head. Mimi did everything within her powers to make that bump go away — ice, kisses, prayers — and miraculously, in the morning, it was gone! We laughed about this for years. My family finally found and moved into a house in White Plains, NY and I remember Mimi showing up to help us paint it and help us plant special zoysia grass in the yard, which had to be planted with something that as a kid to me looked like a pogo stick. One day mom and I were in the new house sitting around the dining room table and my mom was talking to me about my entering first grade in September and what I needed to do to be prepared. Suddenly, the phone rang and it was Aunt Mimi. My mom put me on the phone and said, “Mimi has something very important to ask you.” When I put my ear next to the receiver, I heard Mimi’s voice asking me if I wanted to be her flower girl in her upcoming wedding to Uncle Phil. I replied, “I don’t know. I might be entering first grade that day.” Nevertheless, I was Mimi’s flower girl and with that she made me feel so special the rest of my life. She never forgot my birthday, always sending a card filled with highlights, underlines, and I love you. To me, she was a devoted loving aunt, who also set a great example with how she cared for her mother. She would travel all the way from Minnesota to take my Grandmother to the doctor! Whenever the Herzogs visited from Minnesota, it was event to look forward to like a visit from Santa Claus! I am so appreciative of all the effort it took to make those trips and to keep our families in touch even though we lived so far away. Kathleen, Bridget, Christopher, and Kevin, I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget the effort that Denny and Mimi took to be at my wedding and it really pains me not to be able to be here today. Denny, I know how devoted you were to my Aunt Mimi and the loss must be tremendous. For me, the best way to honor someone we lose is to take the best of them and carry it with us. To honor Mimi, I am going to try to be the best Aunt that I can be to my niece Seneca and nephews Liam and William. And, of course, I will be there for my mom the way that Mimi was there for Grandma. We love you Mimi and you will live in our hearts! - Beth

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Steve jones uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Me,bridget, and Janeane (photo credit from Janeane)

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Kathleen Finneran posted a condolence

Saturday, June 19, 2021

My dearest sister in law of 57 years has left me heart broken knowing she is no longer with me to share so many of our life events as we have these many many years. Mary Catherine was the heart of the Finneran family and kept us all together through so many years. I especially remember our family reunion that she and zdenny hosted at The Big Sandy Lake in Minnesota what a fabulous week that was bringing the family from the East South and west to enjoy our days with each other and with her mom- As her brother and my husband, Bill, always said””Life is but an accumulation of memories”and I am fortunate to have shared so many with Mary Catherine. As I grieve, I find some comfort knowing she died in the arms of Denny, who loved her so very much Mary Catherine , Aunt Mimi, is a family treasure who will remain in our hearts forever- May she Rest In PeaceLove Kathleen Finneran

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Christina Finneran uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, June 19, 2021

As a kid, it was so exciting when Aunt Mimi, Uncle Phil and my cousins would road trip from Minnesota to NY to visit our family. As an adult, I realize how much effort it was to make those trips to stay in touch with family. Only once in my youth did I visit Mimi in Minnesota. In 1981, my mother’s sister, Eileen, and her husband, Joe, included me in a family road trip to Montana, and we stopped in Minnesota to visit the Herzogs. We had a blast (see photo). I particularly remember admiring Bridget’s braids. Sending my love and condolences to Kathleen, Christopher, Bridget, Kevin and Denny.

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Kathleen Herzog Clausen Posted Jun 22, 2021 at 4:33 PM

Fantastic pic! Thanks for sharing, Tina!

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Tina Finneran planted a tree in memory of Mary Folke

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Mimi was amazing at remembering birthdays. Throughout my life, she sent me birthday cards. This tree will honor her and recognize her generosity. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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Christopher uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, June 17, 2021