MASON CITY — Nancy Jo Finlayson, 89, of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center.
Nancy was born Feb. 9, 1937, in Mason City to Virgil and Iola (McEldoon) Price. She grew up in North Iowa and graduated from Mason City High School.
According to her obituary, Nancy married the love of her life, Robert James “Jim” Finlayson, on Dec. 14, 1957. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service to their community.
Nancy began her career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, working as both a local and long-distance operator. Her obituary notes she helped customers transition to the then-new rotary dial telephone system, making her part of an important era in telecommunications history.
After raising her family, Nancy returned to the workforce as a secretary for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City, where she served parishioners for many years. She was also an active member of the church and participated in numerous parish activities.
Family was the center of Nancy’s life. She especially treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending family gatherings and celebrating life’s milestones together.
According to her obituary, Nancy also enjoyed gardening, reading, solving crossword puzzles and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. Friends and loved ones remembered her warm smile, quick wit and caring heart.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Jeanene Blickenderfer and her husband, Mike; her son, Scott Finlayson and his wife, Ute Brandenburg; grandchildren Brandi Rowland, Kelly Riggs, Steve Littleton, Blake Blickenderfer, Matti Brandenburg and Charlie Brandenburg; great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law June Price and Christie Price; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; grandson Justin Blickenderfer; brothers Don, Jack, Jerry and Dennis Price; sister Virgene Thornton; brother-in-law Jon Finlayson; sister-in-law Jan Thomas; and her niece, Dawn.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City.
The family has requested no memorials. Those wishing to honor Nancy’s memory may instead make contributions to St. Croix Hospice.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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