Kathleen A. Finch

Albany, Kathleen A. (Kathy) Finch, 81, entered into eternal life peacefully on May 14, 2026, at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn. Born to Elizabeth and George Finch she spent her life and was educated in Albany, NY. Kathy was the youngest of 4 children. Her parents predeceased her, as well as her brother George “Skip” Jr. and his wife Johanna. Two sisters survive: Anne M. Pelton (Reginald Sr., deceased) of Albany, NY and Betty Cameron (Donald, deceased) of Roanoke, VA.

Kathy began her working career at age 17 for the State of New York, Dept. of Environmental Conservation. A woman of strong faith, she decided to leave her job at the State and enter the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in the Albany Diocese. She served in the sisterhood, for approximately 14 years. During that time, Sister Kathleen initially processed marriage annulments, then was the Mother House Community Business Manager, and the Treasurer of the Convent Mother House.

Kathy left the order and returned to the Department of Environmental Conservation processing grants. Her total combined time for the State was 38 years. She went to work at St. Peters Hospital as a Tech. in Labor and Delivery for 10 years. She also owned Finch Realty for 5 years and finally opened a business, which brought her immense joy for over 17 years as she was an avid animal lover named The Pet Nanny.

Kathy’s love and humor and bright blue eyes will be missed by her surviving nieces, and nephews: Debbie Pelton Elsner (Jim), Lafayette, IN, Dawn Cameron Moses, Donna Marie Cameron Cook (Murray), Douglas Cameron (Rebecca) and David Cameron all of Roanoke, VA and many dear friends. Her nephew Reggie Pelton Jr. of Albany preceded her in death.

Surviving Grand Nieces and Grand Nephews: Mark Elsner (Sarah) of Lafayette, IN, Cory Pelton, of Ballston Spa, NY, Joey (Samantha) Skeen of Front Royal, VA; Godson Jonathan (Jordan) Skeen, Benjamin (Sarah) Skeen, Katherine Cook (Henry) Weigle all of Roanoke VA, Cameron (Hayley) Cook of Breinigsville PA, Scott Cook, of Washington, DC, Alexis Cook, Roanoke, VA, Emma Cameron (fiancé Olivia Gonzalez) of Madison, Wisconsin, Maxwell Cameron, Tyler Cameron also of Roanoke, VA, Olivia Cameron of Herndon, VA and Sophie Pelton of Niskayuna, NY.

“Aunt Kathy” also leaves behind several beloved great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews who brought her tremendous pride and joy throughout her life.

The family would like to express its sincerest thanks to the entire wonderful staff and volunteers of St. Peter’s Hospice Inn as well, as the Palliative Care staff who cared for her at home; and the many physicians, and medical staff involved in her care over the last few years.

SERVICES: A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Convent of Mercy Chapel, 634 New Scotland Ave. Albany, NY. The family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00am, with the funeral mass to follow at 11:00am. A private family burial will take place the following day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy’s name to: The Community Hospice Foundation- (you may earmark for the organization in general or The Hospice Inn- both of whom provided care to Kathy). By phone: 518-482-4433: online: www.givetocommunityhospice.org. or by mailing a check to: The Community Hospice Foundation, Gift Processing Center, 310 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208

OR

Whiskers Animal Benevolent League:

By mail: Whiskers Animal Benevolent League, PO Box 11190, Albany, NY 12211

Also, online donations can be made to the Whiskers website at: www.ewhiskers.com