Ellen Veronica Neagle Finch passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the age of 66 following the sacrament and anointing of the sick.
Born in Washington, D.C., Ellen spent her childhood in several places as her family moved, including Savannah, Georgia, before coming of age in Indianapolis, Indiana—a place she always considered close to her heart. She often reminisced about her years growing up there: performing in school plays, playing games of every kind, spending summers at camp, and later returning as a camp counselor, where she found great joy in caring for and encouraging others. Even at a young age, Ellen possessed the kindness and generosity that would define her throughout her life. Ellen had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met, she had a way of opening both her home and her heart to you. She was endlessly caring, quick to laugh, a little delightfully silly, and happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved. She celebrated life’s simple joys and had a way of making ordinary moments feel special.
A proud graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Ellen returned to Washington, D.C., where she began her career in the family business at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was there that she met the love of her life, Chris, with whom she shared 42 wonderful years of marriage. As a devoted wife and proud working mother, Ellen built a career of service, working not only for the FBI but also for organizations including the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI and the United States Marine Corps. Through it all, she worked hard to provide for her family while never losing sight of what mattered most—her loved ones.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, James and Rita Neagle, and her brother, Dennis Neagle. She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Christopher Finch; her sons, Zach Finch and Nicholas Finch; her daughter-in-law, Rachel Simeone Finch; her sisters, Louise Neagle, Maureen Monteith, and Katie Neagle Allspaw; her brother, Chris Neagle; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and countless others whose lives were brighter because they knew her.
Even in death, Ellen chose to help others. She generously donated her remains to medical science with the hope that future research may one day ease the suffering of others facing illnesses like those she endured. It was a final act of compassion that reflected the way she lived her life.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at a future date and will occur in her home of all homes, Bethany Beach, Deleware. Ellen had a special love for animals—especially turtles. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor her memory are invited to make a donation to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Sea Turtle Conservancy, Turtle Survival Alliance, or your local animal shelter.
To know Ellen was to know kindness, laughter, generosity, and unconditional love. Her warmth made people feel at home, her sense of humor made them smile, and her compassionate spirit left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in our hearts.
“May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” – Irish Blessing
“Some of its magic, some of its tragic, but I’ve had a good life along the way.” – Jimmy Buffett
