Marilyn Finkel

In loving memory of Marilyn Finkel, a remarkable woman whose life exemplified the very essence of strength of character.

Born Marilyn Goldberg in 1923 to Charles and Anna Goldberg in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Marilyn's unmatched graciousness was evident throughout her life. Her character was a tapestry woven with qualities such as unwavering kindness, selflessness, integrity, humility, and generosity. To know Marilyn was to be touched by her, and she had an incredible capacity to make those around her better.

Marilyn was the second eldest among her siblings, Leon, Leatrice, and Phillip. Growing up in the embrace of her loving family, including grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, it was clear that Marilyn held a special place in their hearts. Her innate caregiving nature shone through when she attended Northeastern University in the early 1940s. Soon after, she voluntarily enlisted in the US Navy as a Wave during WWII. Marilyn attended nurse training school in New York, eventually becoming a physician’s assistant working in the Naval Hospital operating room's Tuberculosis Unit both in New York and San Diego, California. Her two and a half years of active service were testament to her dedication and compassion.

After concluding her military service, Marilyn briefly returned to Massachusetts before moving south to Florida where her family of origin had relocated. However, fate had other plans, and while en route to New York City with her best friend Janet, Marilyn stopped in Philadelphia and decided to make it her home. It was in Philadelphia that she met Joe Finkel, the love of her life. Their connection was instantaneous, and within three short months, they were engaged to be married. They began their journey together, raising a family and creating a legacy that would endure through the years.

Marilyn found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for baking and cooking, a green thumb that brought beauty to her garden, and a deep love for spending time with her family and friends. Her generous spirit extended beyond her home as she devoted her spare time to volunteering at Lankenau Hospital, a heartfelt commitment she continued until the remarkable age of 96.

Marilyn's legacy lives on through her three children, Steven Finkel, Helene (Alan) Zeiger, Bob (Line) Finkel;  grandchildren Eric (Rachel), Amanda (Jesse), Mara, Jaime, Bailey, Ava Luna; great-grandchildren Jake, Zachary, Benji and Maya, with one more on the way. Her family was always top-of-mind and at the forefront of her heart, and as such, she dedicated her life to ensuring their happiness and well-being. Marilyn's love and warmth were ever-present and uniquely her own. Her memory will forever comfort those who had the unique privilege of knowing and loving her.

As we gather here today to celebrate Marilyn's remarkable life, we are reminded of the enduring impact of her strength of character, her boundless love, and her unwavering commitment to being a truly good person. Marilyn Finkel, a woman of grace and compassion, will forever be cherished in our hearts. Thank you for joining us in honoring her extraordinary journey.

Relatives and friends are invited to funeral services on Monday, October 2^nd, at 12:00pm at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, 1001 Remington Road, Wynnewood, PA 19006. Interment to follow at Haym Solomon Memorial Park, 200 Moores Road, Frazer, PA 19355.  

Contributions in her memory may be made to The Hearth at Drexel (thehearthatdrexel.org), Believe in a Cure (webelieveinacure.org) or to a charity of the donor's choice.