Margaret M. Finton

Margaret Mary (McDowell) Finton, 79, of Warsaw, Illinois lost her battle with ALS on May 15, 2026, in Manhattan, Illinois, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on October 20, 1946, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Edward and Dorothy (Sinclair) McDowell.

After graduating from Cardinal Strich High School in 1964, Margaret (Margie) worked at several local businesses- Betty Gays, Sheller-Globe, Deckers, Todd Uniform, and finally Methode. During her retirement years she was a dedicated bus aide for Warsaw Elementary School.

On August 12, 1983, Margie married Craig Finton at Seven Falls in Nauvoo, Illinois. Though Craig preceded her in death in 2008, the love they shared remained a cornerstone of her life.

Margie loved life- whether cruising around town in her 1973 Corvette listening to music, watching the New York Yankees, or enjoying her favorite treat: a cheeseburger and cherry coke. However, her greatest joy came from her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and cherished spending time with.

Those who knew Margie understood what true friendship meant. She had a gift for kindness and was a loyal friend to anyone who needed one. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all whose lives she touched. Margie was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Margie is survived by her son Robert Wendell (Jessie) Frank, III, of Blandinsville, IL; her daughter Christina Katherine (Billie) Bavery of Manhattan, IL; two granddaughters: Katherine and Madeline Bavery; two sisters: Kathleen Farfel and Dorothy (Jim) Wallace; her sister-in-law and close friend Martha (Les) Beeler; and her beloved dog Nicky. Other survivors include several nephews and extended family.

Margie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Craig; her brother Edward McDowell; and her in-laws Esther and Dan Finton.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw, with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 to 5:30 pm on Thursday directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warsaw or the Les Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 W Touhy Avenue Suite 302, Skokie, IL 60077 (Please include “In Memory of Margaret Finton” in memo).

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all Margie’s caregivers, especially Katie Adair.

Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.