Susan Elizabeth (Shaner) Finn

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother Susan Elizabeth Finn (Shaner), passed away surrounded by the love of her husband and family, on Monday, January 5th, 2026, in Morristown, Tennessee.

Susan was born on February 5th, 1948, in Columbus, OH, to Fred and Evelyn Shaner, the eldest of their three children.  The family relocated to Toledo, OH, where Susan graduated from McAuley High School in the spring of 1966.

Sue married the love of her life, Paul Francis Finn, Jr., on May 10th, 1969. Together they had three children, son Christopher Michael and daughters Elizabeth Ann and Kristina Ann.

Sue and Paul were active for many years in their local Jaycees, where they cultivated life-long friendships. Sue was employed by the Toledo Public Schools as an Aide at Fall-Meyer Elementary. She also worked as a Police Dispatcher for the Medical College of Ohio and for St. Luke’s Hospital in Emergency Room Patient Registration.

Susan was an avid crafter, with the remarkable ability to create or repair anything from nothing. Whether cake decorating, counted cross stitch, plastic canvas or crochet, Sue gave countless projects to her friends and family to be cherished for years to come. In recent years she spent many an hour making beautiful prayer shawls for her church congregation and hats and bags which she donated to the less fortunate.

Susan and Paul retired to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, a place they had vacationed to many times, having fallen in love with their beauty and majesty and a quieter, kinder way of life.

Susan had an enormous heart, full of love and compassion for family and friends alike. It can be said that she never met a stranger. This love was never more apparent than with her children and her grandchildren. She held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren Madison Elizabeth and Alexander Jordan. With open arms, she welcomed her bonus grandchildren Caitlin, Courtney and Isabella and loved to dote on her great-grandchildren Eleanora and Orion.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Evelyn Shaner, and her daughter Elizabeth. She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 56 years, Paul, her loving children Christopher (Jeffrey) and Kristina (David), grandchildren Madison and Alexander, her bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brothers James (Pamela) and David (Sandra) and many cherished nieces and nephews as well as countless friends and loved ones whose lives were touched through her kindness, grace and humor.

The family has requested that Susan be remembered by all for the beautiful and loving soul she was in any way you feel best honors her memory. In time, her remains will be spread amongst the majestic Smoky Mountains she loved so much. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in her name to the Dementia Society of America.

Arrangements made through Allen Funeral Home, Morristown, TN.

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