Obituaries

Jeanette M. Finkel, 58

Jeanette M. (Loughrie) Finkel, 58, of Womelsdorf, PA., passed away, Monday, June 7, 2010 at Reading Hospital and Medical Center. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Janice (Arnold) Loughrie. Jeanette was the wife of Steven Finkel with whom she celebrated 27 years of marriage this past April 30.

Jeanette was a graduate of Sinai School of Nursing, Loyola College M.B.A, and was a member of American College of Healthcare Executives. Jeanette was employed by The Reading Hospital and Medical Center as Vice President for 20 years prior to her resignation in 2001. Before her employment at Reading she worked at Sinai Hospital as head R.N. She was the first woman to become administrative vice president at Reading Hospital. She started the Child Development Center, which at the time was one of the largest, most comprehensive employer sponsored childcare centers in the country. Jeanette also developed the Women’s Center for female sensitive care and education and free community health screenings for the uninsured poor. She was also active in creating many other community outreach initiatives including Teen Health Fairs and Baby Your Baby Fairs. She worked closely with physicians and nurses in transforming the obstetrical unit into the Beginnings Maternity Center, and helped coordinate the Continuing Care Center and initiating Interpreting Services for non-English speaking patients. Jeanette was active in the United Way where she received the Wilbur H. Doran Award  for outstanding commitment, Berks Women’s Network , Berks Women in Crisis, Penn State Berks Board (Chair) and Healthy Communities. After her time at Reading Hospital she worked at Ephrata Community Hospital as Vice President for Patient Services and Chief Nurse Executive. Jeanette enjoyed cooking, gardening, and giving  back to the community. She was a member of Temple Beth El and Kesher Zion Synagogues.

Surviving in addition to her husband Steven are 3 children; Sarah  Finkel of Womelsdorf, PA., Brian  Finkel husband of Marcella of Scotch Plains, NJ., and Jason  Finkel companion of Courtney of Brooklyn, NY, 1 granddaughter; Ava Finkel,  and a sister; Valerie Stevens wife of C.J. of  Shepherdstown, WV. She was preceded in death by a sister Nancy Gorman.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service on Wednesday (Today) June 9, 2010 at Temple Beth El Synagogue 1836 Rohrerstown Rd. Lancaster, PA. 17601 at 12 p.m. with Rabbi Stephan O. Parnes Officiating. Family and friends will be received at the Synagogue before the service from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Interment will follow at Beth El Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Berks Women in Crisis 50 N. 4th St. Suite 101 Reading, PA. 19601.Arrangements by Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel 3110 Lititz Pike Lititz 17543.To send an online condolence or for more information please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com

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Dear Steve,
We are saddened to hear of Jeanette’s recent passing.  She will be remembered by us as a gracious and kind person who extended herself to welcome our family to Reading. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mark and Tara Loos
Chagrin Falls, OH

Steve,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Jeanette will be long remembered for all the good work she did for our community.

Jim Hehn

To the family and friends of Mrs. Jeanette Finkel,

I met Jeanette many years ago when I first was employed by the hospital (1983).  My admiration of Mrs Finkel grew over the years.  She was such an incredible woman and always carried herself in such respectful manner.

My first real encounter with her, and one that I will treasure forever, was when I was in the cafeteria line and a resident started to  complain about an elderly gentleman who had come into the ED overnight and the patient was alone and spoke no English.  The resident proceeded to describe the patient’s illness, etc.  As he continued, and I listened, I knew this person was speaking about my father.  Needless to say I was not very happy and after paying for my food. I approached the resident (at the Dr’s table and told him what a horrible person he was), and that the patient he was describing was “MY FATHER” who I absolutely adored!  Needless to say till I was done with him I was a complete mess.  I was in tears and marched right up to Jeanette’s office. 

She was compassionate and listened and told me she would take care of the matter. I received a letter from the resident and he apologized for his behavior.  My father and mother have since passed away, but I will NEVER forget Jeanette for what she did.  This incident my have been one of many but I am sure this was the beginning “story” of the whole HIPPA process.

I have told this story to many friends and folks here at the hospital, and I am so grateful that today HIPPA is now a process that we must all follow.

Thank you for allowing me to share my precious moment with Jeanette Finkel.  She and her family are in my thoughts.

Sincerely
Debbie Bollinger

Dear Steven and Sarah,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of my friend Jeanette.  She was a wonderful person and a great friend to me.  My first meeting with her was life changing for me.  I know how much she loved you and all her family.  It is my hope in the coming days and months that love will be of comfort to you. 
I will always hold her in my heart.
Much love,
Ramona Turner Turpin

Dear Steve, Sahara and family:
Our prayers and love are with you.  May you all share the strength that Jeanette exhibited throughout her life of triumphs.  Steve you are a very special person too.  May God provide you comfort and help you keep the love you and Jeanette shared forever in your heart.
Love,
Mike Vigiolto and Rob Brown

Dear Steve and Family,

My condolences for the loss of Jeanette.  She is a legend at Reading Hospital and will always be remembered for her innovative ideas and her focus on the patient.  Her community service and concern for the medically underserved are her legacy.  My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Bob Paul

Dear Steve and Family,

I always appreciated Jeanette’s vision and insight as a professional when I worked with her at TRHMC.  I was honored to have had several opportunities to socialize with her, as well, and found her to have a great sense of humor and to be a welcoming person to everyone.  Even in her early years of having been diagnosed and facing her illness, she maintained her insight into the value of life and shared her hope and strength with others.  She was a pioneer in many ways and the world was gifted by her presence within it.  My thoughts are with you at this time of loss.

Gail {Staudt} DiBlasi

Steve and family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of Jeanette. The legacy she leaves speaks for itself, but her biggest legacy will be her family.  Your wonderful memories will keep her alive in your hearts….
Bob and Georgeann Gibble
Ft. Myers, FL

My condolences to Steve, Jason, Brian and Sarah.  Jeanette was an inspiration to many, including me.  I remember our early days at the Child Development Center with fondness.  I thank her for her vision. May your happy memories see you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Miss Lori (Messner)

Jeanette was an incredible role model and I still hold close to my heart the advice and guidance she gave to me as a young career woman.  Her kind heart, wisdom, and thoughtfulness will be with me forever.
Pamela Shupp

Dear Steven and Sarah,    I am so sad to hear of Jeanette’s passing. She and I talked a few times this past winter about your pets, and as usual I   inquired about both of you. The question always brought a smile to her face as she was very proud of her family and never hesitated to talk about your accomplishments. Take comfort knowing that she loved you all very much.    
Mike Comalli 

Dearest Steven, Sarah, Brian & Jason,
It is with a very saddened heart, I send my deepest Sympathy. Jeanette will be sorely missed. My thoughts & Prayers are with you, the family. I know how dearly she loved each of you, as she would ALWAYS speak of you, every time I saw her. Always thinking of others first before herself. God Bless you & give you comfort, as He is Holding Jeanette now.
Debi Fegley

Steve and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jeannette’s passing. My years at THRC and with the family, truely impacted my life! Jeannette will be missed but FOREVER remember and adored in everyone’s heart. She will live on through all the lives she touched and programs that she cared so much about! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
Angela Smeltz-Masser

I just learned of Jeanette’s passing and I wanted to express my sincere condolences.  I will never forget my interview process with Jeanette at Ephrata Community Hospital.  I felt like I was talking with an old friend!  Jeanette was so passionate about nursing and what the future would bring to ECH.  I knew immediately I wanted to work for and with her.  She was a sincere example of nursing and leadership!  I will always remember her and the excitement she brought with her to ECH.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Tracy Miller

Dear Sarah (Finkel) and Steve-

We were so sorry to read the sad news that Jeannette has passed away. I last saw her at your LCDS graduation and she looked wonderful. We had a lovely conversation about Michaela’s attending her alma mater Loyola– she was very excited about that! She was such a lovely person, both inside and out, and I always admired her. Even during the years that she was ill, she always seemed to focus on other people and never seemed like a "cancer patient", simply someone who was simply making the most of her life who happened to have cancer. We will always remember her and keep her in our prayers.  We wish all of your family our deepest sympathy.
Fondly,
Elena, Rich, Michaela and Ian Wolman

Dear Steve,
Jeanette was the most remarkable woman I have known.  The list of her accomplishments is mind-boggling.  I was privileged to have a small share in her vision of health care in the inner-city.  Those of us who had the opportunity to work under her guidance are far richer for the experience.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Opal Lebo

Dear Steven and Sarah,
Our dear Jeanette has ascended leaving a great void. I know she is watching over us all as we move through our lives. We are blessed to have been graced with her presence.
We are sorry for your loss.
Karen & Greg Schweitzer

Sincere condolences to Mrs.Finkel’s family.  I am an employee of the Child Development Center, which she had founded.  She was a fine lady and an outstanding person.  She will be missed by all. 
Sincerely,  
Joan A. Gnau

Dear Steve and family,

I was so sorry to hear of Jeanette’s passing.  She was a true mentor to me.  I will never forget the day I went into her office to discuss if nursing was a career I really wanted to choose.  She took the time to sit with me and gave me the motivation I needed to go back to school.  And 14 years later as an RN I will never forget her words of wisdom.  I know I am not alone in telling you that she touched so many lives in so many ways.  She will always be in your hearts and will always watch over all of you.  Let her strength give you the strength you need to go on in life.
With much love and sympathy,

Melissa (Tillman) Seifert, RN

I am so sorry, Steve.  I will always remember Jeanette as a very caring, intelligent and unstoppable woman who got things done that the rest of us only dreamed about. All the women who worked with her will remember her as fearless, articulate, compassionate and so far ahead of her time.  We will all miss her. I am so sorry that you and your children had to lose her so early.  She made such a difference in so many lives in the short time she had.

Dear Steven,
Baruch Dayan HaEmet. Jeanette brought me to Reading 12 years ago and I followed her steps to Ephrata thereafter. Her embodiment of humanity and spirituality allowed the world to be a better place and those she touched to become more than they dreamed.
Sincerely,
David J. Hoffman

Steve,
I was so sorry to hear about Jeanette, she was and will always be remembered as an incredible and strong woman.  I’m proud that I had the opportunity to work with Jeanette during my time at TRHMC as a Patient Representative.  Jeanette was always very supportive of our role and often gave us guidance on how to deal with some difficult situations. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…may you find comfort in your wonderful memories and may you find comfort in friends and family who love all of you and will be there for you.
Sandy Espinal
Myrtle Beach,SC

We did not know Jeanette, but worked closely with her father-in-law at Community Hospital in Lancaster. We extend our sympathy to the family including Ruth Finkel who we both know. We know she was a blessing to Ruth. May God grant you all comfort.
Joyce and Carol Gehman

Jeanette was a great leader.  She had the ability to get others to see the "right way" without having to show it to them.  She had superb personal strength and used used it well.  And I know that she was as well a loving wife and mother whose loss, after the long battle, her family deeply mourns.  May her memory be a blessing.
Neil Hoffman

Please know you have our deepest sympathy at the passing of Jeanette. She was truly a remarkable woman, so caring and dedicated to her family and community. I had the pleasure of working alongside her during a volunteer event a couple years ago and she a significant reason the event was very successful. She smiled, she queried, she sought the right outcomes and those of us working with her respected her opinion. She will be missed. I can see her face now. Beautiful.
Sincerely,
Jo and Bob Moon

I am so sorry to hear about Jeanette’s passing. Though I only knew her for a short time, she was a pivotal part of me going to The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences for nursing where I will graduate this July. I had the pleasure of meeting her for lunch one afternoon at the Blue Marsh Canteen … our conversation was inspirational to say the least. She understood me completely when I said I had a "calling" into nursing. I wish I had the opportunity of getting to know her more.
My warmest condolences to the family.
Yvette Rotundo

Jeanette was a mentor to me when I started my journal as a leader; such a giving person to those around her and always upbeat.
My profound sympathy to Steve and family.
Jo Ann Bretz

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, LOVE, AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOU, HER PRECIOUS ONES! I AM SO GLAD KER MASSENGALE TOLD ME JEANETTE WAS AT TRHMC AND THAT I HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT HER AS "RAGGEDY ANN".IT WAS VERY SPECIAL FOR ME TO BE THERE, AS SHE SEEMED TO REACT VERY POSITIVE TO RAGGEDY, AS THAT WAS A "FUN" PROGRAM THAT SHE DEVELOPED AT TRHMC.

BLESS YOU ALL! SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON.
MARY ANN RUTH

Deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Jeanette.  A gracious and accomplished person, we are the poorer for her loss.
In sorrow,
Dan Downing

I worked with her for all her years at Reading Hospital and she was always very co-operative, very gracious and one of the loveliest ladies I have ever photographed.  She will be missed by everyone that ever knew her…
Ron Endy

I worked for Jeanette at Ephrata Hospital and she profoundly influenced my life in a professional and personal level.  I am so sorry for your loss…A special comment for Sarah – your Mom spoke of you with such love and such pride, I know you were the light of her life….       
Cindy Kolp

Jeanette is remembered as a wonderful, loving, energetic person , full of life and vitality.  Her presence made an impact on my life.  So many beautiful flowers grow and flourish on the farm , many gracious gifts to us from her garden.  My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the family. 
Cindy and Steve Vollers – Charming Creek Farm

Steve,
My heart weighs heavy for you, my friend.  Our thoughts have been with you and your family for some time.  Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers for the loss of your beloved Jeanette.
With sympathy and love,
Bucky & Linda

Steve and Sarah –
Our thoughts are with you at this time of great loss.  Jeanette was a wonderful women and I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to know her and work with her.  She will be long remembered for her strengths and kindnesses.  I still miss her leadership at the Reading Hospital.
I am sure that the memory of her will get you through this tough time, as she would want you to continue on.  If I or anyone at Reading Pediatrics can be of any assistance, please fell free to call.
With a heavy heart,
Mark Reuben

I was so sorry to read of Jeanette’s passing in the Reading Eagle this AM. I knew her when we were both active with Berks Womens Network.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Kathy Higo

With much sadness, we send our sincerest condolences to the entire Finkel family on the loss of Jeanette.  May the wonderful memories of Jeanette be a comfort to you all at this most difficult time. 
Most fondly,
Robin & Jess Drezner

She will be remembered and missed by many.
B Myers

Dear Steven, Sarah, Brian and Jason,

To the community Jeanette was a healthcare pioneer, a leader and an innovator for women and children’s programs. To me, she was a mentor, a friend, family Through Jeanette I learned the parenting skills I have today and the positive way of thinking that often carries me through.

Learning to see the world through her eyes showed me that it is not from where we came, or how we lived that matters. Rather, it is how we choose to live the life we have and what imprint we strive to leave on this world that is most important.

Jeanette taught me about giving back, not in monetary fashion but from the heart. She also taught me the importance of accepting the people around us for who they are instead of trying to mold them to fit what we want them to be. Most importantly, Jeanette taught me that I must first love and accept myself before I can do the same for other’s.

No single human being has had a greater impact on my life than Jeanette. I am who I am because of her.

Thank you for sharing her.

Love Pam, Ariyana, AJ and Alyssa Jeanette Hernandez

I enjoyed working with Jeanette at Ephrata.  Her ability to mentor others was truly a gift; I learned so much from her.  Sarah,  no meeting was complete until we had an update about you and your horse…it was so obvious that your mother was so proud of you…. 
My sincere condolences –
Beth Kerper

Dear Steve and Family;
My deepest sympathy to you and your family for Jeanette’s loss.  She was a mentor, friend and guide to many including me.  I felt it a privilege to have worked with and for her. 
Greg Stoddard

Steve and Sarah,
We were all lucky to have had Jeanette in our lives. She touched so many in  small and profound ways. Her strength was admirable and an inspiration to everyone who had the priviledge of encountering her. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
JP Armstrong

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Jeanette.  She was a friend, mentor, second mother, and inspiration to me.  I have her to thank for a career that I love.  I take comfort in knowing she is at peace and hope you do the same.
Tracy (Myers) Davidheiser

It was truly a pleasure to know Jeanette.  I enjoyed both talking with her and interviewing her for WEEU Radio.  She was truly someone who put a smile on my face.  But Jeanette is also someone to be admired tremendously for her passion for community service and helping fellow individuals. I will miss her.
Dave Langley

Dear Steve,
I offer my condolences to you and your family at this time of your loss of Jeanette.
May all of us follow Jeanette’s remarkable inspiration and find ways to imitate her legacy of service to our communities.
Tom Hackett

My sincerest condolences on the death of Jeanette.  She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her and crossed her path. She helped us at the Kesher Zion Synagogue.  Best wishes for the entire family to stay healthy and remember what a wonderful person she was.   
Lila Shapiro

My condolences to the family on the death of Jeanette. I met her and her family years ago in Reading (Flying Hills) when I tutored her son Brian in Hebrew.
She was a wonderful and caring woman.

Dear Steve and Family,
I am saddened to hear of Jeanette’s passing after her long ordeal. I am greatly appreciative of the many contributions she made for our community. She will be long remembered. My prayers are with Jeanette and your family.
Sincerely,
George Kershner

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