The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada announces the peaceful death of our beloved Sister Mary James Finucan at home in our Care Centre, 485 Windermere Road on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Helen Patricia Finucan was born on April 18, 1929, in Peel Township, Wellington County, Ontario. She joined the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph on January 3, 1948, at Sacred Heart Convent, London, receiving the name Sister Mary James. She is lovingly remembered by her Sisters in community, several nieces and nephews, and dear friend, Kate Groom. Sister Mary James was predeceased by her mother, Mary Anne (McMahon), and her father, John Finucan, brothers John, Bartholomew, Lorne, James, Thomas (Alma), Michael, and Joseph, and sisters Rita Tonks (Tom) and Sister St. Jude.
For 26 years, Sister Mary James was a homemaker at convents in St. Thomas, Windsor, and Woodstock and later in dietary services at Marian Villa, St. Mary’s, and St. Joseph’s Hospitals in London and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham. Her culinary talents were exceptional, and she was often called upon to prepare special meals to support fundraising efforts for hospital operations. She also served faithfully in ministry to priests at St. Peter’s Seminary. After completing a year of renewal at the Galilee Centre in Arnprior, Sister Mary James joined Kate Groom in ministry with the homeless. Her quiet, loving presence was a source of comfort and dignity for the women and teens who came to their home. After two years, she began service as a pastoral visitor at St. Peter’s Basilica, visiting the elderly and homebound. In 1991, she and Kate began a new ministry based out of Kate’s home, preparing and delivering meals to seniors. Sister Mary James’ baked goods and preserves were shared generously and always received with gratitude. A woman of deep and steady faith, Sister Mary James will be remembered for her gentleness of spirit, the twinkle in her eye, and her unwavering acceptance of others. We thank Kate Groom and our Care Centre staff for their constant and attentive care.
All services will be held at the residence of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 485 Windermere Road, London. Visitation on Sunday, July 26, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, July 27, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at www.csjcanada.org/funeralmjfinucan
Expressions of sympathy or donations to the works of the Congregation in memory of Sister Mary James Finucan may be made at www.csjcanada.org
