Sue French Strother Finnerty, 80, of Youngstown, passed away November 9, 2006 in the tranquil setting of her Boardman Township home after a yearlong illness. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by the loving members of her large family. Born September 23, 1926 in Welch, West Virginia, she had celebrated her 80th birthday in September with family and friends. She was the daughter of Judge James French Strother and Lucile Lucas Strother. In addition to being a long time criminal court judge in McDowell County, West Virginia, her father was a three-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the state's 5th district. Her mother was a school teacher and principal. Sue Finnerty left Welch High School early to attend Stephens College in Missouri. Upon her graduation from Stephens, she enrolled at the Ohio State University where she majored in political science and international studies, graduating with a BS degree in 1946, at the age of twenty. 1946 was also the year that she met her future husband, Younsgtown native George A. Finnerty Jr., upon his return from World War II. Having herself been an only child, Sue's union with George produced nine children within the next fifteen years. It also resulted in her moving to Youngstown, which remained her home for the last sixty years. Following the arrival of her youngest child in 1962, Sue set her sights on pursuing an advanced degree and starting a career. She earned a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Kent State University all while raising a family. She began working as a social worker in Youngstown's inner city at the Youth Opportunity Center. She later served in the Mahoning County Department of Human Services and ultimately the Ohio Department of Human Services for the duration of her career. Sue enjoyed the symphony and was a patron of the arts. Sue also enjoyed playing golf and was passionate about playing bridge, particularly the last several years. She was a devoted member of Toastmasters, and used that forum to advance her social and political beliefs. She supported various charitable causes in the Mahoning Valley and was a member of the church. Having been preceded in death by her mother and father, she was also predeceased by her daughter Lucile in 1958. Sue is survived by eight children including George A. Finnerty III, of Youngstown, Mary Sue Finnerty (Ron Annas), of New City, NY, Anne Finnerty James (Carl), Canfield, Beverly P. Finnerty (Ed Goetz), of Columbus, James F. S. Finnerty (Betsy), of Youngstown, Landon Jude Finnerty, of New York City, Gregory N. Finnerty (Lori), of Columbus, Jeanne L. Finnerty, of New York City, grandchildren William F. Nagel, of New York City, Shane S. Annas, New York City, Claire M. Annas, of Tempe, AZ, Jesse Annas, of New York City, Miles Yetter, of Columbus, and dear family friend Donna Fazio (Keith), of Winchester, VA, not to mention the hundreds upon hundreds of friends she made through eighty wonderful and blessed years. Calling hours are scheduled at Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street, Sunday, November 12th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and from 10:00 to 11:00 am in the church followed by a funeral service Monday at 11:00 at the First Covenant Church, 5210 Glenwood Avenue.