Waterville, Maine - Jean C. Finelli passed away peacefully Saturday, May 5, 2018, just shy of her 95th birthday. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 12, 1923. She graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School with honors, which included awards for her fine artwork. She continued her education, graduating from Hunter College and went on to work as a draftsman during the forties.
In 1944 Jean married Al Finelli (d.2006) and had two children. Soon after they moved to Long Island, where Jean continued her education at Hofstra College earning her Master’s in Art Education. She had a successful career as an art educator at Eastplain Elementary School in her home town of Plainedge. Jean’s gentle spirit, talents and creativity served her community well.
Upon retiring, Jean and Al moved to Florida, where she continued to develop as an artist well into her 70’s, winning blue ribbons at local art shows. Jean was a generous and kind individual who loved crafting and offered her talents to various social events at her golf club and condo. In her spare time, Jean challenged herself by becoming an accomplished golfer.
Jean is survived by her loving children: Robert Finelli (son) and his wife Silvia, and Susan Gerdes (daughter) and her husband Jack. Her life was enriched by her adoring grandchildren: Timothy, Abigail, Hadassah, Obed, Ellisheva and Jahn. Jean was also blessed with 10 beautiful great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held on Wednesday May 9, 2018 at Libby Hill Cemetery in Albion, ME at 1:00 pm. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.
If anyone wishes, they may make a donation in Jean’s memory to either, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate or The Ripple Effect Project, PO Box 1956 Waterville, ME 04901
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