Judith Marie Finch

Judith Marie Finch, 76, of Ione, CA, passed away Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016, in Jackson, CA. Judy was born in Los Angeles, CA on May 6th, 1940 to the late Dorothy (Heitz) and Joseph Daniel Lorenzen. Judy was a proud, long-time resident of Ione and active in the community. After losing her husband, Curtis, she put herself through college at Sacramento State University and worked as a much treasured elementary school teacher for 28 years. After retirement, she continued to volunteer at Ione Elementary. For a time, she co-owned the Ione Flower Basket and loved the outreach and connection this allowed with her neighbors. She found joy as a member of the Ione Rotary, Red Hat Ladies, Sacred Heart Choir and secretary of the church Ladies Club. She enjoyed contributing to various charitable causes, notably initiating the ‘Birthday Bag' program through Rotary and the Interfaith Food Bank. Judy was a world-traveler and in recent years was thrilled to share a trip to South America with her adored sister Mary, brother-in-law Glen and grandniece, Tori. She was so proud of her granddaughter, Caroline, and frequently visited her in New York City. She loved her frequent trips to Bodega Bay with her dearest friend, Jeanette Blake, and delighted in attending the Sacramento Music Circus season with a circle of devoted Ione friends. Her grandson, Curt, was her pride and joy. They shared a special bond that enriched her life beyond measure. Judy made friends wherever she went. Her devotion to her friends, both old and new, was evidenced in many ways, from delivering dinners to never missing a chance to pick up a "bargain" for someone. She had a fabulous sense of humor and quick wit, which she kept sharp by reading absolutely everything. Judy was a one of a kind person who "danced to a different drummer" and invited all of us to join her in that dance. Known affectionately by her grandnieces and grandnephew as "Judester", she is remembered for her generous spirit and kind heart. With family and friends mourning across the world, from Ione to Utah to New York to Bangkok, her infectious laughter and warm smile will be missed and remembered by many. She was incredibly proud of her family and is survived by her son, Steven Finch, of Waterford, CA; brother, Paul Lorenzen, of San Luis Obispo, CA; sister, Mary Marasovich (Glen), of Kaneohe, HI; brother, Mark Lorenzen (Laura), of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, Caroline (Kegan), and Curt; son-in-law, Jeff; and beloved dog, Josie. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ione, CA on Saturday, 9/3 at 1:30pm, with internment at Ione Public Cemetery and reception at Evalynn Bishop Hall. Contributions may be made in Judy's name to A-PAL, PO Box 190, Jackson CA 95642 or Interfaith Food Bank, 12181 Airport Road, Jackson CA 95642.