Last year, the people of New York were mourning the loss of a beloved local TV personality. Elise Finch, a meteorologist from the United States, had been delivering weather forecasts on WCBS for 16 years before her passing at the age of 51 in July 2023.
Finch joined WCBS in 2007 as a weekend meteorologist and had most recently been a part of the morning news team. She had given the weather report just a few days before the radio station officially announced her passing.
In addition to their daughter, Grace, Finch is also survived by her husband, Graig Henriques, who was also employed as a photographer at WCBS.
The Mysterious Death of Elise Finch
WCBS released a statement expressing their remorse and acknowledging Elise’s exceptional talents and unwavering dedication to her work.
In particular, Elise Finch’s significant contributions to the community were highlighted, with a special focus on her hometown of Mount Vernon.
While paying tribute, WCBS’ Jessica Moore became deeply emotional as she honored her dear friend and coworker.
“Elise has been a friend and team member at WCBS for 16 years,” the station said in announcing her death.
“Elise was a gifted and consummate professional who took great care with her work. She was also a wonderful ambassador in the community, including her hometown of Mount Vernon.”
The WCBS team offered their sympathies and thoughts to Elise’s daughter Grace and spouse Graig, showing support during their period of grief.
“Above all, Elise was a fiercely loving and devoted mother to her daughter Grace and wife to Graig Henriques, who is a photojournalist at WCBS.”
After the passing of Elise Finch, her close ones, supporters, and co-workers expressed their sympathies.
The live stream of the church’s service on Facebook, which lasted approximately three hours, garnered 800 comments and was viewed by 4,500 people.
Amira Johnson, who is Finch’s niece, planned a charity event for Grace Henriques, a six-year-old girl.
She desired to create a center solely focused on supporting her younger cousin during this time and gathering funds for her as she got older.
Amira Finch Johnson, the niece of Finch, was escorted out by her mother and three other relatives after becoming emotional while watching the live tribute on WCBS at the end of the ceremony.
Johnson asserted that she was not just Finch’s niece, but rather like a younger sister to him.
Johnson included this statement in the description on GoFundMe:
“Of course nothing replaces the presence of her mom but any amount given to support my little cousin will be greatly appreciated.
“Again, thank you to everyone who came from near and far to support my family during this difficult time.”
After learning about Elise Finch’s passing, veteran WCBS reporter Tony Aiello took to Twitter to express his condolences.
“Elise Finch loved music. The song of her life deserved many more verses,””Her gifts were many, and so too the lives she touched.”
The passing of Elise Finch was a significant loss to the television industry and to those who personally knew her.
Over time, her numerous admirers were charmed by her ability, perseverance, and friendly demeanor. She will always be remembered as a renowned meteorologist and a loving mother and wife, leaving a lasting impression.
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