Maria Finamore BSc (Pharm) ’77 started her career in pharmacy in 1973 as a pharmacy assistant with London Drugs, and continued to work there for over forty years. Maria was an innovative professional who continually sought ways to improve the practice of pharmacy. As such she was a long time practice educator with the Faculty and mentored students and new pharmacy graduates at work.

Maria was always a people person. She was a long time preceptor/practice educator for the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and was recognized by London Drugs for her teaching and training abilities. In addition to her impact on those new to her profession, she always worked collaboratively with other professionals to improve outcomes for her patients and taught her fellow employees to do the same.

It was very important to Maria to give back to her profession. She served on a number of committees for the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia including Discipline and as both a member and chair of the Board of Examiners. She was involved, for years, on committees such as Panel Assessment, Statement of Competencies, RxCare, Practice Review, Portfolio and Quality Assurance. Lifelong learning was important to Maria. She never stopped learning and saw that as an essential component of her profession. Maria’s committee involvement with the College and the work she did with the people she mentored will not be forgotten.

Maria’s commitment to her profession was only surpassed by her commitment to her family and friends. Whether you were a family member or a friend, spending time with Maria always meant that there would be laughter, food and good conversations. She will be missed by family, friends, colleagues, and all who benefited from her mentorship.

To honour Maria’s career accomplishments, her family along with friends and colleagues have established the Maria Gabriele Finamore Award in Community Pharmacy.

This award recognizes a student in any year of a pharmacy program who demonstrates a keen passion for the betterment of community pharmacy. Your gift will help inspire our students to pursue professional and educational excellence and leadership, a legacy befitting of Maria’s contributions to pharmacy.

Please click here to read the impact report.