Marianne Wilson Finckel

FINCKEL--Marianne Wilson. After a brief bout with cancer, Marianne Wilson Finckel, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at her home in Bennington, VT. Mrs. Finckel was a faculty member of Bennington College for over 40 years. Affectionately called 'Willie' by all who knew her, she was a warm and gracious woman, a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, musician, teacher, and community member. Willie's innate curiosity fired her interest in many areas, especially people and music. Part of an extensive family of musicians, she was an accomplished pianist and double bassist and the beloved and dedicated teacher of many local students of all ages. As a pianist and harpsichordist, she performed chamber music in the United States and Europe and recorded for CRI. As accompanist and coach, she participated in vocal workshops in the United States, Portugal, and Mexico. Ms. Finckel was a stellar cook, generous host, avid gardener, poker player, and poet. She married her husband, cellist George Finckel, after her senior year in college, and later helped him run "Finckel's Antiques," a shop they opened in a barn on their property. Willie's positive, courageous, and downto-earth spirit inspired all; her thoughfulness and generosity resulted in wonderful and lasting friendships. Survivors include her brother, Philip Wilson; two sons, Michael and Christopher Finckel, all of New York; four grandchildren, Adrien, Emeline, Paul, and Talia; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial concert and service will be held in the Carriage Barn at Bennington College on Saturday, November 10th at 1pm. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sage City Symphony (802) 447-2149, the community orchestra on whose board Willie served for the past 17 years.