July 22, 1942 – August 14, 2026
Marcia Delores Finley Van Dyke, age 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on August 14, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Born on July 22, 1942, to the late Franklin and Elizabeth Finley, Marcia was raised in Broadview, Illinois. She spent the first half of her life in Illinois before embarking on a vibrant second chapter in New England, a region she dearly loved.
Marcia lived a life defined by resilience, creativity, and an incredible capacity for love. A woman of many talents, she built a successful career in accounting, with dedicated work for The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. Driven by her deep empathy and commitment to serving others, another profound highlight of her career was her work at the Women’s Center in Newburyport, MA, where she dedicated her time to helping and supporting abused women.
Driven by her vision and appreciation for history, one of her proudest achievements was her restoration and reimagining of the historic Drake Farm in North Hampton, NH.. She transformed the property into an extraordinary destination, housing an antique linen store, Abigail’s, alongside one of the largest used bookstores in the country.
Earlier in life, Marcia was married for 20 years to the late Bob Van Dyke, with whom she raised her cherished children. Later in life, she found a true fairy-tale love with Sloan Wilson (deceased). Together, Marcia and Sloan traveled the world, sharing countless adventures and a beautiful partnership.
In her final years, Marcia found immense joy in simple, vivid moments—frequently feeling invigorated by the bright sunshine and fresh air, riding with the Jeep open under blue skies while driving through the striking red rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Her smile and singing along to John Denver’s songs during those drives remain an unforgettable memory for those who loved her.
To know Marcia was to know pure love, acceptance, hope, and unwavering loyalty. She was the best and loudest cheerleader for those she loved, and the biggest, most comforting shoulder to cry on. Incredibly empathetic to a hurting soul, she was always beyond thrilled for the dreams and accomplishments of others. She was simply the most beautiful and caring person any of us have ever known. Through life’s many turbulent times, Marcia showed unbelievable resilience, never allowing anything to dull the bright, warm light that shined from her soul until the very end.
She is survived by her sister, Barbara Cacarillo; her sons, Nickolas Van Dyke and his wife Svetlana, Rob Van Dyke and his wife Ruth, and Peter Van Dyke and his partner Tori; and her daughter, Kristen Liddell and her husband Bill.
She was the proud grandmother to Melissa, Kirill, Alesya, Jacob, Luke, Marcia, Renee, Rick, Riley, Emily, Jack, Billy, Rhett, and Abby, and was reunited in peace with her beloved grandson, Nicholas. She is also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren, Tyler, Logan, Mason, and Simon, while holding in her heart her great-grandson, Oliver, who preceded her in death. Marcia will also be dearly missed by her nephews, Andy and Austin.
The family expresses their deep gratitude and a special thank you to Pikes Peak Hospice for their compassionate care, as well as a special thanks to Tori for her selfless commitment and love as a caregiver.
Marcia’s light, warmth, and legacy of love will live on forever in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege to know her. An annual celebration of friends and family will take place at her favorite places.
” I have to say it now, it’s been a good life, all in all…… What about our dreams and all the memories we share.”
