Charlotte Marie Finnegan

Charlotte M. Finnegan

Age 81, of Northville, formerly of Springfield, Virginia, passed away on March 6, 2021. She was born in Houston, Texas to John and Gladys Caulking, Jr.   In 1961, she married Richard N. Finnegan and they spent the next 59 years devoted to one another as husband and wife.

Charlotte has always been an artist at heart.  She enjoyed helping her children with school art projects, volunteering as an art teacher at her daughter’s elementary school, and illustrating event programs for the Army Judge Advocate General Wives Club, of which she was vice president. What brought her the greatest joy, however, was spending time with her grandchildren, as she was an incredibly devoted and loving grandmother. Nothing made her happier than reading to, cooking for, or supporting her grandchildren in hockey and soccer. Charlotte was an amazing cook who enjoyed cooking for others. She put a bit of love into everything she made and was truly the heart of her family.

Charlotte was raised in Houston and graduated from Spring Branch High School, Class of 1957 where she was on the tennis team. She maintained an interest in tennis and would watch all the televised major tournaments from beginning to end.  She continued her education at the University of Texas and University of Houston where she studied fine arts. She worked as a technical illustrator in Houston for Bowen-Itco, Inc. and Texaco, Inc. and later for Williams-Stackhouse, Inc. in San Antonio.  As the wife of an Army officer, Charlotte moved around quite a bit within the U.S. and spent several years in Germany. When they finally settled in Springfield, Virginia, she began a new career as a medical assistant and eventually took a position as a healthcare administrator with Aetna.

While living in the metro Washington D.C. area, Charlotte kept active with many interests.  Each Fall, she looked forward to traveling to New England to see the autumn colors and visit some of her favorite places. Charlotte also loved Pennsylvania Amish Country, and she returned regularly to purchase quilts, subsequently acquiring a large collection that was displayed throughout her home. Additionally, anyone who visited Charlotte became aware of her green thumb from the many plants that flourished throughout her house. She was also an avid reader with a Kindle full of books.

Charlotte’s favorite holiday was Christmas.  During the holiday season, she would decorate two Christmas trees with ornaments acquired over the years including all of the White House ornaments from their inception.  At the same time, she would display her collection of over 50 nutcrackers throughout the house.

Charlotte was a loyal patron to several charities important to her and always acknowledged a family birthday or special occasion (e.g., birth, wedding, graduation, etc.) with a card or gift.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends for her kindness and generosity.

Charlotte is survived by her loving husband, Richard Finnegan, her children Keith Finnegan and Shawn Strain; her grandchildren, Jacob Strain and Megan Strain; her mother Gladys Caulking; and her sisters Judy McMillian, Jeanette Wolston, and Laura Tate. She was preceded in death by her father.

Charlotte was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who loved her.   A memorial service will be held for her at a later date.  She will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Susan G. Komen , www.komen.org. or National Breast Cancer Foundation , nationalbreastcancer.org.