Mother Ludwina, Marie's Aunt Norah, had always been welcoming and provided a destination for Sunday drives to the convent of St Francis at Stella Niagara.  The children enjoyed a day at the Convent and the surrounding grounds along the Niagara River gorge.  Mother always rushed into the waiting room with her vail trailing behind her and swept all of the children into her arms with hugs and kisses for everyone.  She asked each of them about their week, their school... she wanted to know everything!  She made each of the children feel like they were special and their lives were important to her! Because it really was!

Father Mooney, the Pastor at Christ the King Church and School, was taken by the Finnigans from the time they joined the parish. In addition to keeping an eye on their school activities as he had alway done, he arranged to have the family join the Sisters for lunch in their private dining room.  They were the envy of all the other students!

Dr. Francis Gustina, the family's doctor, has been a good friend to Charlie who often rode with him while he made evening house calls.  Mary Gustina babysat Paul during his three preschool years.  John and Ester Horan, also close friends to Charlie and Marie, insisted on regular visits and picnics with their family of eight children at their home next to Christ the King church and school.  Andrew and Donna Cunningham offered care and work for the boys on their farm estate on Lebrun road in nearby Eggertsville.