OBITUARY: Jean M. (Murray) Finnerty, 85

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Jean M. Finnerty (Murray), age 85, of Wilmington, formerly a longtime resident of Stow, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2026, with her loving family at her side.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 5, 1941, Jean was the cherished daughter of the late George and Mary (Gavin) Murray. She was raised in South Boston and was a proud graduate of Gate of Heaven High School. She continued her education at Boston College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

Jean married her beloved husband Peter M. Finnerty, in 1965, and together they built a life centered on love and family. The couple settled in West Medford where they lived from 1967 until 1978 before they moved to Stow and raised their beautiful family, creating a warm and welcoming home. Jean was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother. Family was truly the center of her world.

Jean treasured family holidays, gatherings, and vacations, especially summer trips to Old Silver Beach on Cape Cod, where countless cherished memories were made. She also loved traveling with her husband, family, and friends. Some of her most memorable adventures included a cruise through the Panama Canal, attending the Balloon Festival in Santa Fe, exploring many National Parks, and traveling abroad to England, Ireland, and Paris. She especially enjoyed visiting her grandchildren both locally and in England.

Jean was a dedicated and hardworking professional. She began her career as a Microbiology Technician at Boston City Hospital, where she worked for several years before continuing her career at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. She was known as a dependable employee, a supportive coworker, and a loyal friend to many.

Jean and Peter shared over 43 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2008. She later resided in Hudson for several years, where she formed many meaningful friendships. About ten years ago, she moved to Wilmington to be closer to her family. There, she enjoyed walking through her neighborhood, meeting neighbors, and participating in activities at the Wilmington Senior Center, and she enjoyed being a member of the Fun Singers.

A woman of deep faith, Jean was an active parishioner of St. Isidore Catholic Church for many years.

Jean will be fondly remembered as a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She gave unconditional love and devotion to her family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jean was the beloved wife of the late Peter M. Finnerty. She was the devoted mother of David Finnerty and his wife Maureen Barlow of Dorchester, Marie DelRossi of Melrose, Peter Finnerty and his wife Diana of Balcombe, England, and Kristine Zuk of Wilmington. She was the loving “Nana” and “Grandma” to Timothy Finnerty, Katherine Finnerty, Mary DelRossi, Peter DelRossi, and Cassidy Zuk. She was the dear sister of Margaret Zaks of Harwich and Patricia Murray of South Boston, sister-in-law of Mary Robinson of Fremont, NH, and Angela Finnerty of Watertown. Jean is also survived by her devoted caregiver, Edith, her faithful pup, Cmore, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jean was predeceased by her siblings William Murray, Mary Gill, and James Murray, her father and mother-in-law Peter and Margaret (Kelly) Finnerty, and her brothers and sisters-in-law Steven Zaks, Jack Finnerty, Margaret Finnerty, Tom and Joyce Finnerty, Kevin Finnerty, and Richard Robinson, Sr.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, March 26th from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 27th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Isidore Catholic Church, 429 Great Road, Stow, MA, followed by interment at St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Great Road, Maynard, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to The Greater Boston Food Bank, 70 South Bay Ave., Boston, MA 02118.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.