Accomplishments
We all found our own way through college. Jim, Jerry and Bob were commissioned officers on active duty during WW II and/or the Korean War. Jerry was an executive with a major manufacturer.
Bob invented of an analytical system now in use by environmental and drug testing agencies worldwide. Denny and Paul served corporations and governments worldwide as consultants in computer technology, Sir Dennis Finnigan was knighted by the King of Sweden. Sister Kathleen directed Macy’s nationwide bridal program. John built the world's first nationwide donors' blood bank for the Red Cross. Paul introduced a new telephone service called Voicemail. All the boys enjoyed successes in their marriages giving Dad 28 grandchildren who have followed their parents in education and successes.
But one thing is clear, Charlie enjoyed his retirement years to the fullest, with constant visits, travel, shop work and interest in the families, their events and accomplishments as long as he was alive! Last and most importantly, Dad held a strong belief in the creator and the power of families, friends and faith!
HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?
If you have read the CMF Family Story you have a pretty fair understanding of how this could happen! Charlie Finnigan taught his family to think positive, not to dwell on what you don't have but rather make the best of what you do have. The family was not seven "poor Motherless children", we were the lucky Finnigans! They enjoyed a hot lunch in the Nuns quarters while the other kids were bagging it in the cafeteria. We were chosen to ring the dismissal bell and wind the Victrola while the rest of the kids marched out of school. We helped Dad manage the household by cooking, cleaning, washing and sewing and keeping themselves out of trouble; cutting the neighbors' lawns, delivering newspapers, working at Hertzel drug store and polishing floors at Christ the King church.
We were the lucky boys and girl that enjoyed frequent visits to the Stella Niagara Convent where Mother Ludwina, our "Saint Nora", moved briskly into the waiting room, veil streaming behind her, and one by one swept each of us into her gown, hugging, kissing and giving the feeling they're the most important person in the world!
We knew that if we were going to do something, we had to "do it right or not do it at all". We got angry when people gave them that "you poor child look". We were leaders in our classrooms and sold more peanut brittle for the school fund raiser than any other family year after year. We were full of ambition and honesty and had the discipline to get things done;
We were going somewhere and wouldn't let anything or anybody stand in our way! We gained well earned support and a watchful eye from our teachers and counselors and learned early on that we could have anything we wanted in life, all they had to do is decide what they're willing to give up to get it! And we owe a large part of our successes to Dad who spent the best years of his life showing us how to overcome adversity, achieve successes and enjoy happiness in life. Amen!
And Marie made this possible by the strength and mindset she gave to Charlie and her children that enabled them to carry on with guidance Dad provided as the essential ingredient in achieving greatness and the awards for our achievements.
