‘Kathy’ Finney Becnel

Kathleen Finney Becnel entered the world on September 29, 1951, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, as the daughter of Mildred Sabrio Finney and John G. Finney, Jr. Growing up amid the rich cultural tapestry of the Crescent City, she attended Dominican High School, a esteemed private Catholic school, where she laid the foundation for her future pursuits. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of New Orleans (UNO), where she earned her undergraduate degree, before advancing to Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge to obtain her Juris Doctorate.

With her legal credentials in hand, Kathleen embarked on a multifaceted career that blended education and law. She dedicated herself to practicing law in St. John the Baptist Parish, a picturesque yet industrious area along the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana, where rural charm met the hum of community life. Though specifics of her cases remain understated in records, her role as an educator likely saw her shaping minds in academic or local settings, complementing her work in the courtroom.

In the mid-1970s, Kathleen's personal life blossomed with her marriage to Robert M. Becnel, a union that spanned two decades and brought forth four children: Bridget Becnel Delivorias, Kelly Becnel Rovetto, Meghan Becnel Burns, and Ryan Becnel. Their family life, however, faced challenges, culminating in a divorce finalized on October 30, 1995. What followed was a series of legal proceedings, beginning with Kathleen's petition for partition of community property just days later, on November 3, 1995, which aimed to equitably divide assets like shares in the Bank of St. John—later absorbed by Hibernia Bank. An injunction in December 1995 safeguarded those assets from being sold or transferred amid the disputes. Tensions persisted into the late 1990s and beyond, with a 1999 appellate case revolving around visitation rights for their three minor children at the time, and a 2011 court ruling that scrutinized claims of post-community debts, including those allegedly tied to Robert's brother, Daniel E. Becnel—a notable attorney famous for spearheading major class-action lawsuits, such as those against Dow Corning. The court ultimately deemed the evidence insufficient to classify them as shared liabilities.

Surrounded by a close-knit family, Kathleen was one of six siblings: Karen Finney Duhe (wed to Leroy), Kevin Patrick Finney, John Gabriel Finney III (a physician married to Karen), Kerry Michael Finney (married to Dana), and Kyle Finney Taylor (married to Christopher). Her legacy extended to her role as a grandmother to Philip Delivorias, Barron Delivorias, Jackson Rovetto, and Sloan Rovetto, whom she cherished deeply. Those who knew her often spoke of her gentle spirit and the warmth she brought to every interaction, leaving an indelible mark on her loved ones and community.

Kathleen's journey came to a serene close on November 17, 2018, at the age of 67, having outlived her parents. Her life was honored with a visitation at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home in New Orleans on November 25, followed by a poignant Funeral Mass at the historic St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter the next day. Though not a household name, Kathleen Finney Becnel's story is one of quiet dedication—to her education, her profession, and above all, her family—in the heart of Louisiana.