Finnette E. Egolf

Finnette E. (Barkel) Egolf, age 90, a longtime resident of Somerset, PA, died March 26, 2024 in Shippensburg, PA. Finnette was born on April 13, 1933, in London, England. Shortly after the start of World War II in 1939 and the bombing of their home, the twins and their mother moved to Lockerbie, Scotland, while her father served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force. After the war, her mother, an American, moved with the twins to live near family in northeastern Pennsylvania. Finnette graduated as co-valedictorian of her class from Wyalusing High School in 1951. That fall, she attended Pennsylvania State College, where she met her future husband, Ralph.

Finnette and Ralph were married on June 5, 1953, and moved to his hometown of Somerset, where he became a teacher. Following the birth of their daughters, Finnette completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Library Science and English from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1966, she became librarian of the Somerset Area Junior High School and worked for the school district for 28 years. Shortly before her retirement from the Somerset Area Middle and High Schools, she introduced the use of computers to the library. Her most satisfying career memories were of students who told her that she taught them to love reading.

Finnette joined Grace United Methodist Church in 1953. She sang in the church choir for 60 years and served on the Administrative Board for 30 years, including a stint as secretary. In addition to her love of reading and singing, Finnette was an avid bridge player, achieving the level of Life Master of the American Contract Bridge League in 1995. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting, and made more than 2,000 sweaters for World Vision’s Knit for Kids, a charity established to give hope and warmth to vulnerable children around the globe.

Finnette was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Ralph J. Egolf, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Margaret (Bosworth) Barkel and John Barkel, and her twin sister, Fiona McFadden. She is survived by two daughters: Karen (Alan) Simon of Wheeling, IL, and Barbara (Roger) Knoll of Shippensburg, PA; two grandsons, Robert (Melody) Knoll of Mount Holly Springs, PA, and Josiah (Mollie) Knoll of Hershey, PA, and five great-grandchildren.

Professional Services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg, PA. At Finnette’s request, there will be no viewing or visitation. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in memory of Finnette may be made to the Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, 230 S. Rosina Avenue Somerset, PA 15501, or Grace United Methodist Church, 320 Felgar Road, Somerset, PA 15501. Friends may express online condolences at DuganFH.com