Alumnae Service Award
Susan Finn Stone ‘59, was raised in River Forest, Illinois. With her parents, Dick and Mary Finn, she grew up alongside her three brothers, Dick, Bill, and Jim. Her early education was at St. Luke’s in River Forest, where she developed a lifelong commitment to service by selling the “New World Catholic,” a Chicago Archdiocesan newspaper, door-to-door in sixth grade. This early exposure to volunteer work set the stage for a life dedicated to helping others.
Sue continued her education at Trinity High School where she embraced the Dominican values of study, prayer, service, and community. Her time at Trinity was marked by her participation in numerous school clubs, including a volunteer initiative at Marillac House in Chicago. It was at Trinity that Sue formed many of her enduring friendships, relationships that would remain important throughout her life. The spirit of service continued to shape Sue’s life, and she carried these lessons forward as she furthered her education at Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Social Work.
After completing her degree, Sue returned home to become a third-grade teacher in the Northlake public school system. She later transitioned into a role with Catholic Charities in Chicago where she helped young, unwed mothers access healthcare at St. Vincent’s Orphanage and Misericordia Homes. In 1967, Sue met the love of her life, Frank Stone, at a wedding, and by October they were engaged. The couple married in May 1967 and together they raised three children—Colleen, Frank, and Shannon—who then attended St. Luke’s for grammar school Trinity High School (Colleen ’86, Shannon ’88) and Fenwick High School (Frank’87).
Sue’s connection to Misericordia Heart of Mercy began through her mother’s commitment to Misericordia’s Women’s Board (for over 25 years) and evolved into a significant part of her life. Sue and her husband Frank dedicated decades to overseeing the annual Misericordia Candy Days fundraiser in Oak Park and River Forest. Sue’s behind-the-scenes support has been invaluable, from organizing volunteers to assisting with logistics, fundraising events, and engaging students from Trinity High School in service work. She has instilled the importance of kindness and service in her children, and her ongoing efforts continue to make a difference in her community. Now residing in Oak Park and spending summers in Grand Beach, Michigan, Sue remains active in her social circle, organizing participation in reunions and events with her Trinity classmates and ensuring that the bonds of friendship continue to thrive.
