Barbara Finlayson

Mrs. Barbara Gene Finlayson (née Thull), age 71, of Wichita, KS, died unexpectedly on May 30th, 2019, at Overland Park Regional Hospital in Kansas City, KS.

Barbara was born November 4th, 1947, to Eugene N. and Frances K. (Heinen) Thull in Beloit, KS. Barbara attended St. Theresa's Grade School in Cawker City. During her high school years, she attended Nazareth Apostolic School in Concordia, and graduated from Cawker City High School in 1965.  She graduated Marymount College in 1969 with a BA in music education.  During her studies she met Carl Lee Finlayson, and they married in 1970.  She spent much of her life in service to those around her: she taught at public schools in Connecticut, and sang as Cantor for Masses in Groton, CT and Piscataway, NJ. She served in positions as Den Leader, Camp Director, and District Executive in the Boy Scouts of America, where she was awarded the Silver Beaver award for her service to youth. After her return to Kansas, she volunteered at the Senior Center in Cawker City and in multiple ministries at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wichita. Throughout her life, she encouraged imagination, invited curiosity, and instilled a love of reading in her children and grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her sons and wives, Sean (Jennifer), Eric (Lisa), and Brian (Michelle); her grandchildren Sharon, Anna, Rachael, Aidan, Liam, Dreana, and Lily; and her siblings Mickey, Virginia, Scott, her Italian foreign student brother, Ugo Caporilli, and other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Tracy.

Memorial services will be at 10 AM Tuesday, July 16 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. A vigil service will be at 6 PM Monday, July 15 at the Church. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. The family strongly suggests memorials to be given to the Sierra Club.