Dorothy Finch, 75, of St. Louis, entered into eternal rest on May 25, 2025.
Born to John and Esther Gassner (neé Coleman) in St. Louis on January 3, 1950, Dorothy was the youngest of four siblings. She attended the parish school of St. Francis de Sales (class of ’64) and St. Elizabeth Academy (class of ’68) before graduating from Saint Louis University in 1972.
While at Saint Louis University, she met Chauncey Finch and immediately reported to her friends “I think I met the man I’m going to marry.” As was so often the case, she was right. They married on January 7, 1972, the first day of their long life together.
In August of 1974, Dorothy and Chauncey welcomed daughter Alicia; daughter Mary Beth joined them in May of 1980. Nothing was more important to Dorothy than her daughters, and she provided them with unwavering support, profound understanding, and unconditional love. Her goal was to be a wonderful mother, and she achieved it.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents John and Esther, brother John “Jack” Gassner, sister Joan Behnen (neé Gassner), cousin Sally Reynolds (neé James), niece Margaret “Peggy” Behnen, nephew John Schneider, sister-in-law Barbara Guimbarda, brothers-in-law Eugene “Gene” Schneider, Gerard “Jerry” Behnen, and Conrad Finch, and many other beloved family members.
She is survived by her husband and daughters, sister Kathleen “Kathie” Schneider, cousin Nancy Judge (neé Schoor), sister-in-law Arleen Gassner (neé Hercules), sister-and-brother-in-law Stephen and Jeanne Finch, as well as nieces and nephews John Gassner, James “Jim” Gassner, Laura Damph (neé Gassner), Joseph “Joe” Gassner, Mary Valleroy (neé Gassner), Teresa McIntyre (neé Gassner), Gerard “Gary” Behnen, Robert “Bob” Behnen, Sarah Behnen, Cindy Cohan (neé Schneider), Lisa Reynolds, Kevin Reynolds, Dolores Moss (neé Guimbarda), Richard Guimbarda, Marcia Finch, and Glenda Russell (neé Finch). Visitation: 4:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, Kutis Funeral Home, South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville, MO 63129. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31, St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church, 9740 Sappington Rd, Sappington, MO 63128. Rite of Committal and burial: immediately following the funeral mass, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, 7030 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116.
Chauncey and Family,
I am sorry to learn of your loss. Cherish the memories of your long and fruitful union to help you during this sad time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Bolen
Dottie has been my dearest friend for 49 years. We had many good times together and many VERY long phone conversations. I have watched her two lovely daughters grow into wonderful women, mainly because they had such a good role model.
My heart goes out to Alicia, Mary Beth and Chauncey at this sad time. We are all going to miss you, dear Dottie.
To the family, may all remember Dottie with peace and love as you navigate her loss! May God be with you all! Love Johnnie, Kate, and Beth Schneider
My heart, maybe literally, just broken when I got the news. I am going to be so lost without you. You were like a combination big sister/aunt/confidante and my go-to person and I guess I’m supposed to have paid attention well enough that I know it all now but I don’t feel like I do.
I know your knowledge now is complete and not partial so you know how loved you are and how much you’ll be missed, how very much I’ll miss you. I know you will say hi to your Mom and my Mom and Gram and Pawpaw and I know you’ll try and save me a seat by you and Peggy.
I will love you always and I know that survives death so I’ll see you when my time comes. If you can watch over us, please do.
And if your girls need anything, I know Chauncey will take care of it but if it’s a “girl” thing…..I will always be there for them.
Much love, Your Honey Bunny
We are sorry for your loss of Dottie. Kelly and I knew her through Chauncey. We loved her peppy spirit and sense of humor. She and Chauncey complemented each other.
To Dottie’s Family-Aunt Kathie-Cousin Lisa and all that loved her-Aunt Dottie is surrounded by the Angels that love her on Earth & in Heaven!! God holds her sweet soul in his hands! Rest in Peace & Enjoy all who love you eternally!
My thoughts and prayers for Dottie and her family. Dottie was a good friend of my good friend Nancy Feiner. I met Dottie through Nancy. She was a very sweet lady and I had the pleasure of knowing her. She really cared for her family and her friends.