Mrs. Donna Finch
(1898-1964)
Donna Carothers was born on April 22nd, 1898. In 1920, she enrolled in Deets Pacific Bible College. There she studied Bible, Nursing, Greek, Spanish and English. In 1923, she married Reverend O. J. Finch, who would go on to pastor in Placentia, California; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Lansing, Michigan; and Wichita, Kansas. He would also become a District Superintendent of the Kansas District, and President of Bethany Nazarene College (the institution now known as Southern Nazarene University).
In 1960, Dr. Finch became the President of Pasadena College. He would hold this position for four years. During this time, Mrs. Finch would become known as "The First Lady of Pasadena College". Several sources describe how the Finches’ home was always hosting student and faculty groups, and how Mrs. Finch’s cooking was always a delight during these get-togethers.
In 1964, while Dr. Finch was still President, tragedy struck. While returning from Colorado, where they had bought a new car, a heavy snowstorm hit on U.S. Highway 66 near Kingman, Arizona. In the snowstorm, an oncoming car lost control and went weaving into the Finches’ lane. Dr. Finch attempted to swerve out of the way, but the Finches’ car was hit. Mrs. Finch and two women in the other car were killed. Dr. Finch suffered injuries as well. He would resign as President soon after.
"We can all think of many ways in which we appreciated Mrs. Finch. Her deep concern for us was evident in her altar work during all of our revivals, for she was the one person who would always be there. Yes, she loved us as students of Pasadena College, but more important, we loved her as the First Lady of our campus."
-- Barry Meguiar, Associated Student Body President, 1964
Dr. Paul T. Culbertson, Dean of Instruction for the College at the time, wrote: "The sphere of influence of the beloved ‘First Lady of the Pasadena College Campus’ was far from small or insignificant… Mrs. Finch loved all people, but especially young people. She was an ideal hostess, and guests, irrespective of age, found enriching fellowship and great job in the warmth of her home… Mrs. Oscar J. Finch lived well. She lived courageously and with great fortitude. She lived unselfishly. She lived graciously. The fragrance of her radiant life, aglow with devotion to her Lord, will not rest. It will long endure as a benediction and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her and share her enriching fellowship."