Susan Elinor (Hess) Finlay

Susan Elinor Finlay, 81, of Hazlet, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at her home on August 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the many cherished memories she created throughout her life.

Born on April 28, 1945, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Susan was the daughter of the late William Joseph and Jessie (McBurney) Hess. She grew up in West New York, New Jersey, where she began the life that would be marked by devotion to family, faith, and the simple joys of everyday living. Susan carried those values with her throughout her life and shared them generously with everyone who knew her.

On July 24, 1960, Susan married her beloved husband, James Joseph Finlay, and together they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and partnership. After their marriage, they made their home in Union City, New Jersey, and a few years later settled in Hazlet, New Jersey, where they remained to raise their family. Their marriage was a lasting example of devotion and companionship, and Susan treasured the years they shared together. She was predeceased by her husband, James, whom she loved deeply and missed dearly and her brother William Hess Jr and his wife Patricia.

Before her retirement, Susan worked at Hazlet Health Care for Dr. Anthony Ricca in Hazlet, New Jersey, as a medical assistant for many years. She was respected for her dedication, kindness, and steady presence, and she approached her work with the same care and compassion that she brought to all areas of her life. Her colleagues and those she served knew her as a dependable and thoughtful woman who gave her best each day.

Susan was a devout Christian and a faithful communicant of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Hazlet. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found strength and comfort in her church community. She loved singing in the St. John’s choir and also sang with Nancy Scharff at King of Kings Church in Middletown, where she participated in their yearly choir showcases. Her voice and spirit added warmth to the worship services and performances she so enjoyed.

In her leisure time, Susan enjoyed traveling with her husband and especially loved visiting Atlantic City and spending time in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. She was a huge New Jersey Devils fan and enjoyed going to games whenever she could. She also loved her cats and found comfort and companionship in their presence. Above all, Susan adored her family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Susan was a loving mother whose greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Michael K. Finlay, Cheryl Green and her companion Mike, Jeffrey Finlay and his wife Holly, and Jason Finlay and his companion Bryce. She was a cherished grandmother to Sammy Green, Stephen Green, James Finlay, Chrissy Finlay, Crystal Green, Nicholas Finlay, Suzy Finlay, Sylvia Rose Finlay, and Fox Finlay, and a treasured great-grandmother to Sebastian Green, Madison Merrit, Sage Finlay, Logan and Isabella Mayer. Susan also leaves behind her two nieces Donna Hess and Robin Hess. Susan took great pride in each generation of her family and found happiness in their milestones, gatherings, and everyday moments together.

Susan’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the faith she practiced, and the many lives she touched with her gentle spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who loved her.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  A prayer service will be offered at the funeral home at approximately 7:00 PM by Pastor Blair Goold from St. John’s United Methodist Church.  In respect of Susan’ wishes, she will be privately cremated.  For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

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