Alma Finley

Alma Finley, age 94, peacefully passed away on October 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on January 25, 1932, she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret (nee Nonamaker) Buckheister and was a lifelong and proud Philadelphian. Alma was a woman whose greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother and beloved Nan who treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. The memories they created together will remain a treasured part of her family's lives forever.

Alma was a woman of deep faith who found great comfort in her relationship with God. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was an important part of who she was. She was also immensely proud of her Irish heritage and loved listening to Irish music, especially the songs of Celtic Thunder.

Alma enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved taking long walks through the neighborhood she called home, playing bingo at Stella Maris Church, and taking trips to the shore. She especially enjoyed reminiscing about her memorable trip to Hawaii. A lover of the theater and Broadway, Alma proudly collected Playbills from the many shows she attended, keeping each one as a special reminder of the experience.

She was also a wonderful cook who took great pride in bringing her family together around the dinner table. Sunday dinners with gravy were a cherished family tradition, and she especially enjoyed making her special Christmas treats, affectionately known by the family as “Yum Yums.” For Alma, cooking was another way of showing her family just how much she loved them.

Alma will be remembered for her love of life, her feisty and independent spirit, and what her family affectionately called her “German backbone.” She was strong-willed, loyal, and never afraid to speak her mind, but beneath that strength was an enormous heart and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She loved her late husband deeply and carried his memory with her throughout the years.

Alma was the beloved wife of the late George McKean Finley, who preceded her in death in 2002. She was the loving mother of Marge (Thomas Glaze) Finley, George (Tracy) Finley, and Linda (Jim) Ferkle. She was the cherished Nan of Meghan (Jason) Meyers, Katelyn (Michael Bellz) Zableski, Brenden George Finley, Erin Finley, James (Fayna) Ferkle, and Beth (Bryan) Duklewski. She was the proud great-Nan of Robbie George Meyers, Giavanna Bellz, Nora Ferkle, and “AJ” Ferkle.

Alma leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, love, strength, and tradition. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will live on through the family she cherished so dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Streets. Religious Services will follow at 8:00 PM. Burial will be private.

A proud Philadelphian, a woman of deep faith, a proud Irishwoman, and above all, a devoted mother and Nan—Alma's greatest legacy will always be the love she gave to her family.