Mrs. Lynda Finch

Lydia Catherine Waldon was born in England in 1882. She graduated piano and organ from the Royal College of Music in London. In 1910 she came to Victoria, some time later she met and married Lewis Howard Finch. They moved to Cumberland in 1918.

She began educating the Chinese about 1931. During the '30s and '40s Mr. George Apps (principal of Cumberland Elementary School) and Mrs. Finch went to the mission every week to teach Sunday school to the children and teenagers. "Aunt Kay", as the children referred to her, taught English, piano, needle arts, and painting daily from 3:30 to 5:30. There is mention of Mrs. Finch being the Superintendent of the Anglican (Chinese) Mission of Cumberland. Some of the fondest memories of the children are of Christmas and other holiday preparations.

Her name often appeared on the working committees to make the Cumberland Folk Festival a Success, an annual event lasting from 1949 to 1958. A highlight of the 1953 Folk Festival was a 30 voice Chinese choir from Vancouver, arranged under the care of Mrs. Finch.

Lewis Finch added his touches to Cumberland. In 1923 he prepared plans and specifications for the remodelling of the firehall. In 1930, he was the contractor to turn the old jail/courthouse into a residence for the courthouse clerk. Lewis also sang bass for the Comox District Men's Choir, for many years his wife Lydia accompanied the choir on the piano.

Lydia Catherine (Waldon) Finch was also involved with the Holy Trinity Anglican Church (2732 Penrith). She became organist and choir mistress in 1924 and continued until 1959 when, at age 77, her knees were bad and she could no longer pump the bellows.

"Aunt Kay" passed away in 1983 after a long life of kindness and caring at age 101.