Mary Kay Finnegan

Mary Kay Finnegan, 66, peacefully passed on Wednesday, June 26, in the compassionate care of her family. 

She was born on November 28, 1957, in Virginia, Minnesota. She attended Virginia schools and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism. As a devout Catholic who loved God with all her heart, Mary donated an inordinate amount of her time caring for family, friends, and our community. She fiercely worked to make this world a brighter and sunnier place. She was truly a force of nature, so unselfish, and a remarkably bright woman. 

 Most recently, Mary served as Carlton County’s Economic Development Director. She also served her community as a public servant in multiple capacities, including as deputy commissioner of the IRRRB; as a financial advisor; and as an entrepreneur. Mary served on the Duluth DECC Board for over 12 years. She partnered with her mother to start one of the first women-owned small businesses on the Iron Range, “Finny’s Inc.,” which was a personalized monogram and art business in Virginia. She continued to fuel her Finnegan family’s innovative spirit and sponsored her nephew’s family-owned business, “Finnegan’s Farm” in Duluth. In many ways, she was unapologetically ambitious.

 Mary was resilient and strong in face of challenges. Near her passing, she fought valiantly to stay smiling despite her relentless Stage IV stomach and esophageal cancer. Her soul returned to God’s embrace on June 26.

 Mary was beloved by many. Details about Mary’s life and interests remain a cherished memory held closely by those who knew her. She enjoyed hosting events that welcomed her family, friends, and neighbors. She was enthralled by reading. If you are a close family friend of Mary, you received the most beautiful correspondences with exemplary stationery and penmanship. She was a talented painter. Her spirit animals were the crows, who frequented her presence in her Duluth home.

 Mary is survived by her husband: John Ongaro and her son: Daniel (Michelle) Ongaro; Her brothers: Peter and John (Lisa) Finnegan; Special nephews: Patrick (Keri Saline) Finnegan, Erin Finnegan, Casey Tatro; Great-nephews, Shea, Keenan, and Landon Finnegan; Special cousins, Susie (Ralph) Harvey, Renee (Cal) Cossalter and Renelle (Carl) Baranzelli; Cynthia Grieger, Cathy (Tom) Dauler; Goddaughter: Alyson Bialke.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Marcella (Marcie) Finnegan; brother, James (Jimmy) Finnegan; infant sister; and niece, Annie Finnegan.

Mary’s Memorial Mass is on Monday, July 8th (10 a.m). at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Duluth, located 325 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805. The wake / family visitation is an hour before mass (9 a.m.). The reception will be held at Hoops Brewing, 325 S Lake Ave, immediately after Mass.

 Memorials are the preferred way to honor Mary’s memory and may be directed to Marquette Catholic School, 311 Third St. S. Virginia, MN 55792, or Damiano Center, 206 W. Fourth St., Duluth, MN 55806.