Miriam Alcidie "Minnie" Finckbeiner

Miriam "Minnie" Alcidie Lee Finckbeiner, 96, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, just days after celebrating her birthday with family. Born on July 27, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was a lifelong resident of St. Bernard Parish until Hurricane Katrina led her to spend many years living in Northville, Michigan, and Houston, Texas, before returning to her beloved Louisiana. In her later years, she made her home at St. Anthony's Gardens Assisted Living in Covington, where she found a warm, welcoming circle of friends and compassionate caregivers. Miriam was the daughter of the late Alma Katherine Metzler and the late Robert Joseph "Sam" Lee, both of New Orleans, and the sister of the late Jeanette Lee Celino. On August 15, 1953, she married the love of her life, the late John Joseph Finckbeiner, Sr., with whom she shared nearly 50 beautiful years. Together, they raised three children: John Joseph Finckbeiner, Jr., Janice Gloria Finckbeiner Zulli (John J. Zulli, III), and Jill Allison Finckbeiner Wagner (Steven R. Wagner). She also treasured a special friendship with Vorsha "V" Tadlock, who was like a son to her. A proud and caring grandmother, Miriam celebrated the lives and accomplishments of her grandchildren-Nicolette Joscelyn Zulli, John Gabriel "Gabe" Zulli, Jason Christopher Wagner, and Zachary John Wagner-with boundless joy and enthusiasm. Family was the heartbeat of her life, and nothing brought her greater happiness than being with her loved ones. Miriam's days were filled with the things she loved most: playing and teaching card games, crafting, bingo, and dancing to her favorite jazz music. She was known as a great cook and loved cooking for her family. She was gifted with a green thumb and loved working in her garden where she could grow anything from a simple cutting. A true New Orleanian, she was an avid Saints and LSU fan, never missing a game. Always ready for a festival, party, or seafood boil, she delighted in teaching the art of cracking crabs and peeling crawfish-skills she had mastered to perfection. Miriam's spirit will be forever cherished in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, faith, strength and resilience, and she will be deeply missed. Honoring her wishes, cremation was entrusted to E.J. Fielding Funeral Home in Covington, Louisiana. Her immediate family gathered in love for a private farewell, and a private celebration of her life will be held later this year in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, https://www.heart.org/ Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.