Marie Finnigan was born in 1898 in Buffalo NY in Buffalo NY to parents living in a upscale neighborhood on Bryant Street near the city center. Marie was the eldest of five children who lived the charmed life that wealthy families could afford.  Marie's father owned a men's clothing store and later a religious goods store.  He painted landscapes that his families would enjoy for generations.

Marie was a very happy child with a flare for dressing up in funny outfits and taking pictures with her friends.  Marie's mother Mary employed cleaning ladies and cooks so there was little work for her daughter to do.  Marie graduated from high school and frequented the Buffalo Canoe Club where she met Charlie.

Her life became one of a mother for which her happy attitude and clowing were well suited for her growing number of children. Marie frequently had ear problems that would carry forward to future generations. While expecting her 8th child an ear Infection spread, impacted her health and her newborn and in the end blood poisoning taking both of their lives.

Marie left Charlie and the family with a gift of positive thinking and happyness that would help their recovery and carry forward for generations. The recovery would be difficult and would require steadfast family management. The family and Charlie not only survived but the discipline and commitment they shared resulted in outstanding achievements by all!