Mary Finlen

Mary Ann Finlen

August 13, 1965- May 12, 2023 Mary "Ann" Finlen, 57, of Auburn/Opelika, passed away peacefully in her home on May 12, 2023. Ann was a former longtime resident of Birmingham and relocated with her parents to Auburn in 2007. Ann had special needs, which never defined her life or limited her dreams. Ann was preceded in death by her devoted and loving parents, James Michael Finlen and Patricia Durick Finlen. Following the death of her parents, Ann lived in the Auburn/Opelika area the last 8 years of her life with her sister, Bridget and her brother-in-law J.R. Smith.

Ann was one of Auburn University's most loyal and avid fans. She worked for several years on campus and was thrilled when she met Auburn football players and had them sign her baseball hat. Ann participated in the Special Olympics throughout her life, at both the state and national level. She played golf, ran track, and participated in bowling. The last few years of her life, she was blessed to have attended the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama where she was surrounded by true friends, and an amazing staff. She also participated in the Best Buddies program which gave her great happiness. One of Ann's favorite activities was participating in Greek Sing at the University where she and her friends performed a dance routine for the 5000 Auburn students in attendance. To her great joy the students always gave them a rousing standing ovation.

Ann is survived by six loving and supportive brothers and sisters: Trisha Finlen Bragg (Greg) of Huntsville, Alabama, Fran Finlen Stainback (Bill) of Birmingham, Alabama, Margaret Finlen Gethers (David) of Auburn, Alabama, Mike Finlen (Lori) of Mobile, Alabama, Steve Finlen (Susan) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Bridget Finlen Smith (J.R.) of Opelika, Alabama. Ann is also survived by many wonderful friends and family. Special appreciation is given for the loving and devoted care given to Ann by Mrs. Shirley Huguley.

Visitation will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. May 17 at Currie Jefferson Funeral Home at 2701 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244. The prayer service will commence at 11:00 followed by a brief gravesite service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Game Day Foundation, via Facebook, the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, (camp) 334-329-7773 (https://efofea.org) or Best Buddies program, Auburn, (https://www.bestbuddies.org/donate/).