Joan A Finger

Joan Amelia Finger, beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, great-aunt, and friend departed this life on December 30, 2015 in West Palm Beach, Florida at the age of 85. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Francis and Ethel Finger, of Bronx, New York. Joan is survived by the following family members: her brother and his wife, John and Dorothy Finger, of Williamsburg, Virginia; her cousins, Alfred Finger of Bronx, New York and Robert Finger of Connecticut; her two nephews, Kevin Finger of Topsail Beach, North Carolina and Craig Finger of Stow, Ohio; and her niece, Elizabeth Willen of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was also the proud great-aunt to seven nieces and nephews.

Joan was born on September 11, 1930 in Bronx, New York to Francis and Ethel Finger. As a teenager in the Bronx, she was a member of the Skating Club of Mount Vernon. She was a roller skating queen, winning several championships on the roller skating circuit. A talented seamstress, she designed her own costumes and clothing. She was the class valedictorian of P.S. 16 and graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Bronx, New York when she was just 16 years old.

Joan led a storied and illustrious career, blazing a trail wherever she went! Her zest for adventure and love of travel spilled over into all of her endeavors. From 1952-1958 she assisted J. Peter Grace of W.R. Grace and Company, conducting business in Paris, Zurich, Rio de Janeiro, and Lima, among other places. In 1958 she moved to San Tome, Venezuela to work for the Mene Grande Oil Company, a subsidiary of Gulf Oil Company. She blossomed in Venezuela, loving the work and the cultural experiences. While working there, she had the good fortune to meet Charlie Graham, who would become her dearest and lifelong friend. The pair shared many adventures together! In 1964, she returned to New York City to work for the Chairman of the Board of ITT. After a brief stint there, she joined the Peace Corps and served in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where she used her many talents to help enrich the lives of others. After the Peace Corps, she returned to W.R. Grace and Company where she worked from 1968-1983. Her second stint with the company involved working in Lima, Dallas, and New York City. At one point, Joan was charged with the task of moving Grace’s natural resources facility to Dallas, Texas. She was the mastermind of the operation -- tackling all aspects of the relocation. After that, she became Assistant Vice President of the Grace Foundation. Joan finished out her career working for the Macy Foundation in New York City for ten years, capping off a 46-year career spanning six countries and numerous cities. She then retired to West Palm Beach, Florida.

Joan’s infectious giggles and cheerful disposition always brightened up the room. She lived life on her own terms and was known for her independent spirit. She put it all together -- all on her own. She learned how to speak three languages -- French, Spanish, and Portuguese -- all with a Bronx accent! She was wicked smart, intuitive, generous, and full of life. She was an intrepid cook and in her spare time loved to travel, read, visit art galleries, and listen to opera. She enjoyed antiquing and collecting French Quimper pottery. She served as her family’s official genealogist, tracing family roots and lovingly compiling family albums. We are indebted to her for being the “keeper of the flame.” She helped to bestow upon the younger generation a sense of place and a sense of identity.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5023, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5023. Condolences can be sent to John Finger at 128 Four Mile Tree, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The family would like to thank Palm Beach Medical Gardens, Good Samaritan Hospital, Kindred Hospital, and Dignity Memorial for their efforts and care.