Voice-Tribune
Michele P. Glazier Finn, 65, of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, left her earthly home and entered into the arms of her awaiting beloved husband Hugh Finn on November 18, 2024.
The Finns married and moved to Louisville, KY when Hugh was hired by WAVE TV in 1981. In spite of his well-known 15-year persona as morning anchor and frequent weatherman, this most private of public couples was thrust into an uninvited international spotlight on March 9, 1995. A c atastrophic car accident that icy morning on the way to the bus stop resulted in a traumatic brain injury which eventually claimed Hugh’s life, and seriously injured their young children, Keeley Hibdon (Finn) and Bridget Finn, then 9 and 4.
Hugh’s sudden total disability and eventual death on October 9, 1998, led Michele into an advocacy role for others who suffered the aftermath of brain injury.
As Government Liaison for the Brain Injury Association of Kentucky 1996-2006, Michele amplified the message of awareness and fought for legislation to protect the interests of her husband and despairing families like her own. BIAK’s Outreach Director Eddie Reynolds remembers Michele as “a very valued member of our organization who tirelessly worked in Frankfort to advocate for persons with brain injuries, who was able to relate her devastating personal experience to legislators to effect change on behalf of our survivors. She left an amazing legacy at BIAK and will be sorely missed.”
As National Director of Development for The Dream Factory from 2007-2015, Michele motivated thousands in funding to grant the wishes of seriously ill children in Kentucky. Dream Factory National Director/CEO Tommie Kendall shares, “Michele helped to fundraise thousands of dollars to support our mission. Her work allowed countless children with critical and chronic illnesses to have their dreams fulfilled. On behalf of all of our chapters and volunteers, and the entire Dream Factory family, we are heartbroken to hear of Michele’s passing. We send our love and strength to Michele’s daughters Keeley and Bridget and her grandchildren, while also honoring the impact she left on the Dream Factory.”
Michele graduated from Muhlenberg High School in Laureldale, PA. Her Master of Arts in Teaching from Bellarmine University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Penn State University made Michele a formidable educator, planner and facilitator throughout her professional and personal lives.
Just prior to the accident, Michele and Hugh created and developed Hugh Finn Horseracing News on the nascent “World Wide Web,” translating traditional coverage of Kentucky’s hallmark sport to the masses via never-before-utilized global satellite access.
Michele’s last years have been filled with the joy of grandchildren who adored Michele as she did them, the youngest considering her beloved “Grandma” as one of “two peas in a pod.”
Michele was predeceased by her parents, Mary Margaret and George Glazier and her husband Hugh, and is survived by daughters Keeley Hibdon Finn and Bridget Finn, grandchildren Avalei Juno, 14, Hugh, 12, and Molly, 9, Owen, 11, sister Cathy Carrick, sisters-in-law Karen Finn and Eileen Finn, and a worldwide chosen family of loved ones and admirers.
A private memorial service for friends and family was held on Saturday, December 7th, at Fern Creek Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, and in light of all Michele has done throughout her life for the children of others, donations to the GoFundMe set up for her grandchildren’s future education are requested.