Marilyn Jane Locke Finan
Was born May 25, 1925 and passed away June 10, 2025 at her beloved home, known simply as "232" where she lived independently. She was 100 yrs and 17 days.
Marilyn outlived nearly everyone from her generation! She was preceded in death by her parents, Anne and Elmo Locke, sister Marjorie Locke Kosnoff, her grandson Todd Birch, and her beloved husband of 50+ yrs James (Jim) Finan.
Marilyn also leaves behind her five children, Debbie Birch, Jim (Pam) Finan, Mike (Melissa) Finan, Liz (John) Poracky, and Todd (Kim) Finan. Also left to carry on her legacy are her grandchildren, Ryan (Christine) Birch, Jeff Birch, Rachel Poracky Weir, John (Kara) Poracky and five great grandchildren Ellie, Henry, Emilia, Lucas and Lily.
Marilyn graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1943. She got her start at West Side Hardware which serviced most of Gary in the 1940's.
Marilyn met and married Jim in 1949 and for over seven decades they owned and operated several businesses located in the Finan Building at 302 Main St,
Hobart, Indiana, including Hobart Hardware, Hobart Paint and Wallpaper, Hobart Lawn and Garden, and The Hobart Art Gallery.
On May 31st, Marilyn celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by extended family and dear friends. That gathering turned out to be her "living wake" just the way she wanted it. Per her wishes, she will be privately laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery.
Marilyn loved "lake life" and was longing for one "last hurrah" on her favorite, Lake Wawasee. She instilled this love of water in her children and grandchildren.
In her earlier years, she was a talented tap dancer, also a prolific writer and poet. She had a passion for Halloween for which she wrote the song "Boo Boo I'm a Halloween Ghost" . This song became the inspiration for the children's book "Boo" which was a collaboration between her son Mike and his wife Melissa.
Marilyn was a collector of antiques and an incredible gardener with an envious green thumb.
If you would like to honor her life, please plant a tree in her memory.
Marilyn leaves an unfillable void but there is great joy in knowing she is reunited with Jim and beloved family members and friends who have been waiting for her.

This is where she leaves us…..

A burial will take place Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Calumet Park Cemetery, lining up at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342 at 9:15 for a procession for a 10:00 am  burial. (219) 942-2109 or online condolences can be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com