Carol Finkelstein Obituary

Remembering Carol Finkelstein October 16, 1941 – March 21, 2025

Born in 1941, Carol Finkelstein led a life defined by unwavering principles and compassion. Her journey with her husband Hal began at a Columbia University civil rights rally, where she immediately revealed her direct, principled nature by insisting he contribute to their cause. They reconnected months later at a Herald Tribune Fresh Air Fund event, and Carol’s commitment to justice remained a constant throughout their marriage, which blessed them with two children, Michelle and David.

Early in their life together, Carol faced an aggressive thyroid cancer diagnosis with a six-month prognosis, yet through remarkable perseverance and the courage to undergo experimental treatments, she transformed this fate into decades of vibrant living. She skillfully managed their commercial construction and testing business while raising her family, and later, after receiving a cochlear implant in 2000, dedicated herself to supporting others with hearing loss despite significant opposition.

At 84, Carol’s life stands as a powerful testament to resilience and purpose. She lived her convictions fully fighting for civil rights, raising her children while battling illness, building a successful career, and creating a community for those with hearing loss. Today, we don’t merely mourn her passing but celebrate the extraordinary impact she made on countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of determination, compassion, and unwavering principle.

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