Susan Lynn (Kolod) Finn, born on April 23, 1947 in Schenectady, New York.She passed away peacefully after a long courageous battle with cancer on Thursday January 4th .She was at her home in Lake Forest with her husband and youngest son at her side.She was the only child born to John and Valerie Kolod.In high school she met the love of her life Robert Finn whom she married in 1970.They moved to Chicago, attended Oregon State for grad school and moved to California in 1975.They have three children Greg, Marissa, and Jeff to whom she was a devoted mother.Later they were blessed with eight wonderful grandchildren whom all were able to visit with her for Christmas this year.

Sue earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Rosary Hill College in Buffalo, NY.Beginning school as a chemistry major she quickly decided to change and follow her passion in education.After teaching in Saratoga Springs, New York and Oak Park, Illinois she went on to earn her Masters in Education at Oregon State University.They resided in Northern California for several years where all their children were born before moving to Lake Forest in 1987.

Sue worked as a teacher for over 40 years, most recently at St Serra Catholic School as a 2nd grade teacher for 17 years before retiring due to illness in 2014.The students, teachers, and parents became a second family for her. She was well known as a teacher supporting her students even outside of school.It was her delight to always know the students and their families personally.She regularly attended her students' extracurricular activities including their sports games, dance performances, first communions, and any event to which she was invited.

Science was the subject that she loved teaching the most to her students.At St Serra Catholic School, she was instrumental in bringing hands on science into the classrooms by securing the Beckman Science Grants for the entire school.All her 2nd grade students will remember hands on projects she created like digging for fossils and hatching butterflies.She was passionate about bringing excitement and fun into learning.

Sue and Bob met in high school before dating long distance while they each attended college in different states.Sue loved returning to visit Chicago where they first lived and visiting her husband's alma mater Notre Dame.In addition to the football games she loved the atmosphere of wandering the campus, listening to the marching band, and high mass at the Basilica. They enjoyed regular weekend trips together up and down the coast of California.Visiting local wineries and spending time with their grandchildren in both Northern California and Washington.

Sue fought a rough battle with breast cancer beginning when she was only 41 years old.Having several years in remission before her second fight in 2005.She truly was an inspiration of strength and courage as she was diagnosed the third time in 2013.Throughout these years she remained upbeat and positive about life.

Sue is survived by her husband Bob of Lake Forest. Her three children Greg (Julie), Marissa, and Jeff.Her eight grandchildren Trenton, Corinne, Bodie, Connor, Riley, Sawyer, Charlotte, and Katie.

Services will be held Saturday January 20th at 10 am at Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest followed by reception at St Serra Catholic School in Santa Margarita.

Please join us in remembering Susan. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.