Frances Sally "Fay" Finkel

Frances "Fay" Sally Goldberg Finkel
Frances "Fay" Finkel, 93, passed away on March 12, 2024 in Peabody, MA. She is survived by her loving family: daughters Sandra Hyman-Mehaffey and Hilary Finkel Buxton, her husband Max and grandson Sam Buxton; stepson Marc Finkel and his wife Sue, grandchildren Alyse & Arthur Oysgelt and Zachary & Valerie Finkel, great grandson Spencer Oysgelt, and many nieces, nephews, and dear cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years Bernard "Bernie" Finkel, parents Saul and Celia Goldberg, brother Irving Goldberg, and son-in-law Jack Mehaffey.
Born in the Bronx, NY, Fay followed an interest in music and studied to be an operatic soprano while also helping in the family bakery business. After graduating from James Monroe High School, Fay began her work life with ASCAP, the well-known music copyright company. She was then hired by the American Heart Association to coordinate services for their research doctors and became their lead receptionist. Fay was then enticed into the world of travel and became a travel agent par-excellence, helping travelers to enjoy trips of a lifetime - which Fay also embraced during the many travel adventures around the world with Bernie.
Fay and Bernie both relished their service roles in Rotary International, especially the Gift of Life program for which they were family hosts for children waiting for cardiac care on multiple occasions. Fay rose to the position of Chapter President of Elmwood Park Rotary and was so eager and proud to serve her fellow Rotarians and community.
Fay charmed all who met her - she loved learning about others' cultures and experiences, finding commonalities that forged friendships. She was a trivia dynamo, always proud of how she could recall so many facts and details that led to her many wins. Above all, she had a kind and sweet nature that endeared her to all.
As Frances always was, our family will be forever grateful for the genuine care and concern of the very special people who were with her during her ten years at Brooksby Village. Special appreciation goes to Dr. David Mulder and his team; Debbie Tibbets and staff at Care Dimensions; Lisa, Giselle, Elena, Juan, Leigh, Marie, Margaret and the many other Right At Home and Brooksby staff at Maple Grove.
The family wishes no flowers. To honor Frances, please consider donations to Rotary International Gift of Life program at: https://giftoflifeinternational.org/donate/
Funeral services will be held at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ on Sunday, March 17 at 11:30 in the Chapel. Shiva will be observed at Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose MA on Wednesday, March 20 at 6PM. A memorial gathering at Brooksby Village in Peabody MA will be announced.