Gretchen W. Finley

Gretchen W. Finley, 39, of Manchester, NH passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at the Catholic Medical Center, in Manchester.
Mrs. Finley was born on October 12, 1981, in Pekin, IL, the daughter of James D. and Anne (Goodman) Finley.

Members of her family in addition to her parents, include; her spouse, Amy Finley of Manchester, NH; her children, Jonathan and Joshua Michelizza of Manchester, NH; her in-laws, Bill and Kate Fettig of Manchester, NH; Father in Law Ray Simoneau of Hooksett, NH; 3 brothers, Jed Finley and his wife Brighid of Lake St Louis MO; Robert Azbell of Silvis, IL; and James Azbell of Peoria, IL; Brother in Law, Jason Fettig and his wife Lydia of Takoma Park, MD; Sister in Law Eileen Gehris and her husband Brian of Hooksett, NH; Brother in law Adam Fettig and his wife Sarah of San Marcos, CA; Co-parents Gino Michelizza and his wife Tatiana, of New Durham, NH. She was a proud Auntie of 8 amazing nieces and nephews and had many close friends she considered family.

She was recently employed by Life Is Good, and held the position of warehouse shift leader.

Gretchen grew up on the Jersey shore and was a true lover of all things about the ocean. As a child she swam and sailed competitively. She also played Soccer, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey and Softball. Her greatest childhood memories were always about a team she was part of. She was everything an awesome team player should be.

Gretchen was a devoted wife and mother. Her children were the shining light of her life. Motherhood was her true calling and they are a true embodiment of her humble spirit, kindness and loving nature. Gretchen never met a stranger and considered everyone she met, her friend. She knew nothing of selfishness, always giving her time, energy and love to any person who needed it. She was a rare gem in this world, an old soul with a light she passed to all who knew her.

Gretchen and Amy met at difficult times in their lives. It was love at first sight from day one and found in each other the mate for their souls. She loved Amy fiercely and completely and the feeling was mutual. They were inseparable from the moment they met. Even after 16 years together, they still couldn't wait to get home after work, just to spend time making dinner, listening to 80's music, relaxing on their balcony, watching the birds at their feeders, taking hours long road trips to nowhere and talking for hours and hours every single day and never tiring of their conversations about just about anything.

Raising their little family was the true joy of Gretchen's life. She was a constant presence for her children at school, ball games, concerts and events. They enjoyed fishing, camping, sporting events and spending as much time as possible in Provincetown MA where her ashes will be scattered this summer.

Amy, Jonathan and Joshua would like to thank the countless number of people who have offered their support during this difficult time. It has been the best medicine for their broken hearts.

SERVICES: There are no services. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2nd 2:00 PM at Massabesic Lake in Manchester for all her family and friends to come together to remember her. Scattering of her ashes will be in August in Provincetown, MA on what would be her annual camping trip.
Donations can be made to COLAGE.com in memory of Mrs. Finley. This organization provided many summers of camp to her children when they were young.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to www.phaneuf.net