Obituary: Louise (Hansen) Finocchio, Founded Interior Design Firm in Marblehead

I lived a remarkable 79 years with a life full of unconditional love, laughter and adventures. Born in San Francisco, California on May 21, 1936, I attended parochial schools throughout, ultimately graduating from St. Paul’s High School in 1954. I continued my studies at San Francisco College for Women and University of San Francisco, graduating with a B.A. in Art History in 1958.

Upon graduating, I began a nearly 25 year career in the retail industry working as a manager and assistant buyer in sportswear and home goods. Starting at The Emporium, my career quickly escalated to one where I was one of the few women buyers in the industry managing women’s sportswear at Joseph Magnin Co., one of the largest retailers in San Francisco, and Boston’s Filene’s & Co. During one of my European work travels in 1963, I met the love of my life, Richard N. Finocchio, aboard the S.S. Constitution where he was 1st Officer. Together we travelled throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, enjoying camel rides in Egypt, hiking Mount Vesuvius and enjoying the Amalfi coast to its finest. Shortly thereafter, we married, and have enjoyed over 50 years of marriage together and were blessed with our daughter, Karen and her husband Christopher Lubeck.

Throughout those 50 years, we have lived in Marblehead, Massachusetts. I founded my own interior design firm, Atelier, where I earned national recognition for my work in House and Garden magazine. After 15 years decorating, I moved onto my greatest career challenge, a 20 year battle with Alzheimer’s where I have been a lead research case in several treatments.

As I reflect back, I am humbled to see how many families I have helped. Without the incredible care from my husband, daughter and sister-in-law, Judith Finocchio, along with an amazing care team of Marilyn, Dora and Peggy, this never would have happened. I have shared my sparkle with medical teams and caregivers.

For information on services, see the full obituary on the Lyons and Sons website.