Billie Lou Finnie 1935-2025

Billie was born in Youngstown on May 13, 1935, the first daughter of William J. Kirkpatrick and Lucille Frey Kirkpatrick. She graduated from South High School in Youngstown in 1953.

Billie worked as an administrative assistant at St Elizabeth Hospital until retirement.

On Aug. 23, 1979, Billie married James “Jimbo” Finnie in New Castle, Pa. In 1998, they retired to North Fort Myers and much enjoyed the warm weather.

Billie, a.k.a. HMFIC, was an avid reader, crossword puzzle master, latch hook rug maker, bingo player, camper, ear chewer and shop-til-you-drop-er. Billie was NOT a great cook or baker, but that didn’t stop her from trying. She was a participator and gave back to her community in many ways: through blood drives, volunteering at church and fundraising for various organizations. She was a past member of the FOE, American Legion and VFW.

Billie Grandma lived to spend time with her grandkids and great-grandkids, even when they were rotten brats! Billie was a strong, independent woman who raised strong, independent children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Billie is survived by her children, Patricia (Timothy) Tomaino of Florida, William (Kim) Burk of New Mexico and Mary (Brian) Grossman of Ohio; grandchildren, Shannon Wylam of Florida, Lauren (Shawn) Veaunt of Ohio, Desra (Mark) Giancola of Nevada, Zachary (Anna) Tomaino of Florida and Robert (Rachel) Grossman of Ohio; great-grandchildren, Rhys Black of New York, Chance Yohman of Florida, Lola, Briar and Juniper Tomaino of Florida, Eden and Cecelia Veaunt of Ohio, Andrew, Isaac and Seth Giancola of Nevada, and Maxwell Grossman of Ohio; nieces, Kathleen Rose (Jeff) and Karen Bernard, and nephew, Patrick (Patti) Whitaker, all of Ohio; and stepsons, James Finnie Jr. of Louisiana, Scott (Debbie) Finnie of Virginia, Lowell Burk of Florida, Bruce Burk of Ohio and their families.

Billie is now reunited with her beloved husband, Jim, who passed away July 26, 2006. She is also with her parents and her much-loved sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Tom Whitaker.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

(special notice)