Clairinda Borgens Beilstein Finch

November 12, 1922 - September 10, 2014

Clairinda Borgens Beilstein Finch Obituary Clairinda Finch passed away peacefully on September 10, surrounded by her family, after a long and fulfilling life. She was born in Ritzville, Washington to George and Louise Borgens. She attended Whitman College, where she was a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Mu Phi Epsilon. She graduated in 1944 magna cum laude. A lifelong musician, Clairinda went on to teach elementary school music in Washington and piano to private students in Pasadena. She sang and played handbells in church choirs for many years. Clairinda had many hobbies but will be best remembered for her sculpture, photography, and watercolor. She taught first grade for many years at Rowan Avenue School, where she could be sure of being taller than all of her students. As a teacher, she was free to travel in the summer, and she took full advantage of that, taking her children twice to Europe for extended trips, and once around the United States. Clairinda was a longtime member of PEO and was active in her church while she was able. In recent years, she and her husband, Frank Finch, lived in Spokane, Washington, where both Clairinda and Frank had family ties. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Karl Beilstein, and is survived by her husband Frank, daughters Gretchen Ramey and Karol McQueary, sons Karl, Kurt, and Eric Beilstein, and step-children Nina Beegle and Gary Finch. She was blessed to be the grandmother of twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. There will be a memorial service and reception at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28. A family graveside service will take place at Live Oak Cemetery at a later time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Patrons of Music Fund, First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia.