May 11, 1929 - February 24, 2022
Vivian Maxine Finnigan passed away, surrounded by family, in Olds, Alberta, on February 24, 2022, at the age of 92 years.
Vivian will be remembered as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all. She was born to Florin and Beatrice Clayholt on May 11, 1929, in Didsbury, Alberta. Growing up on a farm with two brothers and a sister, she rode horses, skated, danced and played baseball. She met Eddie Finnigan when she was 13 years old. They were friends for years and they were married in Madden on June 5, 1949, and bought a farm shortly afterwards. Ten years later they bought a farm in Westerdale district, farmed for many years and grew their family, and then in 2011, they retired into Olds.
Vivian and Eddie had 3 children, Dianne, Jim, Larry, and later enfolded Linda into their family. Vivian was an integral part of the farm and had a strong work ethic. She was involved in every aspect of it and took much pride in what they accomplished. She worked out in the fields, rounded up the cattle, checked on cattle at night, combined, maintained a large garden, while still milking the cows and having fresh buns and breakfast on the table by eight. She was a highly intelligent woman with a natural musical ability. She taught Sunday School at the Westerdale Church for many years to all the community children.
Her biggest passion was horses. She broke horses and taught many children to ride. She loved to go camping and ride in the mountains with her riding friends, Jean McMannus, Shirley Luft and Bev Thompson. She was always happy to have friends drop by and would insist on feeding them. There was always money and opportunity to take the grandkids for ice cream. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dianne Bayes; grandchildren Andrea Sawicki (Leigh), with great-grandchildren Kaylene, Kylelee, Teryn and Layne. Chad Bayes (Cheryl), Carrie Bayes(Elaine); daughter in law Sharon Finnigan; grandchildren Jennifer Finnigan Lawlor (David), with step great-granchildren Brenton, Spencer and Kelli, Jason Finnigan (Michelle),with great-grandchildren Logan and Kassidy. Larry Finnigan (Jean); grandchildren Laura Treagus (Stephan), with great-grandchildren Dakota, Shane and Alexia, Jody Finnigan with great-grandchildren Lucas and Addison, Michelle Pavan(Harvey), with great-grandchild Eve. Linda Herbert(Jim); grandchildren Celeste Herbert(James), Chad Herbert(Karla), with great-grandchild Greyson.
She also leaves behind her extended family, friends and caregivers at Encore.
Vivian is predeceased by her parents, brothers Rheo and Ken, her loving husband Eddie and their beloved son Jim. The graveside service was at the Westerdale Cemetery on Friday, March 4, 2022. It was live-streamed and available afterwards through Heartland Funeral Services. Due to covid, there will not be a gathering afterwards. Special thanks are given to all the loving staff at Olds Hospital for the warm-hearted care they gave to Vivian during her stay. Donations in memory of Vivian are gratefully accepted to the Wild Horses of Alberta Society. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
