Catherine "Cassie" Finnern, nee Leonard, of Morton Grove, passed away at age 71 on August 18th, after losing her battle with cancer. Loving wife and mother, she leaves behind her husband of 40 years, William "Bill", daughter Lisa  Gibbons, son- in- law Dan Gibbons, her cat Ziggy, in addition to her many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. She is reunited in heaven with her mother, father, and brother. Sweet and soft spoken, those who knew her best will never forget her Irish will and passion, her uncanny lumberjack strength, (for a 5' woman), her wicked sense of humor, her Martha Stewart-like fondness for cleaning and organizing, her unconditional compassion toward animals, and, most of all, her caring, gentle heart. Funeral service Thursday, August 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at Simkins Funeral Home 6251 Dempster St. Morton Grove, IL 60053. Interment Union Ridge Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, August 21st from 4 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Animal Welfare League 10305 Southwest Highway Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 appreciated. Sign online guestbook at www.simkinsfh.com . (847) 965-2500