Doris Finkelstein

Cary - Doris (Dee) Finkelstein of Cary, NC died peacefully on December 13, 2024. Born April 26, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA, Dee was a truly special woman, ahead of her time in every aspect of her life.

She was a driven individual and expected no less from those around her, especially her children. It was her wish that her children had every advantage made possible by their own abilities and to not be denied any opportunity the world had to offer. She led by example, as her ability to excel at whatever she tried was uncanny. Her accomplishments, personally and professionally, are literally far too extensive to list.

A working wife and mother when it was not "in vogue," Dee did as much for her family as any stay-at-home Mom, from cooking, cleaning, sewing, and making Christmas gifts, to doing volunteer work for over a dozen organizations. She did all this while working outside the home, exceling at whatever position she held, winning multiple awards and breaking records. She smashed previous records in areas such as sponsor acquisition for Welcome Wagon and fund raising as the Executive Director of The American Heart Association of Lancaster County. Dee also received special recognition from the Jane-Cees.

Dee was a major stockholder of and instrumental (behind the scenes) in the success of an employee purchased business, Tri-Seal International. This allowed her to live comfortably in her retirement, enjoying multiple hobbies, included skiing, singing, painting, sewing, reading, writing, sailing, golfing and traveling. Proud of her travels, Dee visited three continents, 43 countries and 32 states. She never did anything half-heartedly!

Behind her professional demeanor lived an exceptionally creative spirit. Dee's artistic ability was recognized in high school, garnering her a full scholarship to a prestigious university. However, her misfortune was to be born a few generations too soon. Unmarried young women were discouraged or even forbidden from leaving home to go to college. Denied this opportunity, she was nonetheless exceptional at anything she touched, and in her reflective moments wrote poetry, winning multiple awards. In 2023, Dee ultimately published a lifetime of works in her book, A Collection of Poems and Stories. It revealed every aspect of her life over the years, and resonated deeply with all who read it, from the humorous to the heartfelt to the heartbreaking. She continued to paint, and her artwork is beloved by those who are lucky to have it.

As accomplished as Dee was, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest realization and the absolute lights of her life. These two new generations ushered in a new era of unconditional love for Dee as she settled into older age.

Dee was predeceased by her parents William and Matilda (Pat) Reitzel, her sister Charlotte Garfield, her brother Quintin Reitzel, his wife Angela, and her daughter Robin Libert. Dee is survived and beloved by her daughter Donna (Dennis) Mellon, Robin's husband Kenneth Libert, her three grandchildren Chris Russell (Jaime), Hans Russell (Laura), and Liane Fenstermacher, five great-grandchildren, Sydney, Isabel, Siena, Hannah and Jameson Russell, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.