Jean Emma (Saperstein) Finkle, 97, passed away at Greenwood House in Ewing, NJ, on July 2, 2026, soon after celebrating her birthday.
Mrs. Finkle met her lifelong love, Sidney Finkle, when she was 17, and they enjoyed 74 wonderful years together, until he passed away in 2022. They were a very loving couple and especially enjoyed their trips to Atlantic City. They were natives of Trenton, NJ, and later moved to their house in Ewing and lived there for 60 years. Then they moved to Brandywine Living at Pennington, where they made new friends, enjoyed the activities, and lent support and kindness to whomever they could. Mrs. Finkle moved to Greenwood House in Ewing three years ago, when her health needs necessitated it. While there, she made many friends and enjoyed the activities, especially music and making bracelets, of which she gave away many.
Mrs. Finkle also was predeceased by her parents, Grace Emma (McNeely) Saperstein and Jacob Saperstein, as well as her 3 sisters, Ruth Ann Langdon, Sophia Lippin, and Ida Shapiro. She is survived by her loving daughter, Dr. Grace Finkle of Cary, NC, with whom she enjoyed a special, very close bond. Mrs. Finkle loved to be serenaded by Grace with their favorite songs and sometimes sang along. She is survived also by several other family members and friends.
Mrs. Finkle enjoyed her 30-year career working at Trenton State College, first in the Graduate Music Department and then promoted to the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs as head secretary. Along with her exemplary work, she helped colleagues and students alike, earning the unofficial title of “The Jewish Mother of Trenton State College.” She was appreciated by all.
Mrs. Finkle was a talented and award-winning artist. She leaves behind many beautiful needle points, pastels, and oil paintings, which covered the walls, as well as many expressive poems. Mrs. Finkle inherited an eye for spotting fine antique glassware from her father. Like him, she enjoyed going to flea markets and then showing her finds to family in her beautiful China cabinet. She also collected Chinese artwork. Their house was almost like a small art museum.
Everyone who knew Mrs. Finkle treasured her sweet, loving and gentle nature, kindness, and big heart. She was very devoted to her family and friends, and she and her husband were “honorary grandparents” to several children, now grown. She was a treasure greater and more beautiful and precious to her husband and daughter than diamonds.
Grace wants to give special appreciation to Maxine and Joseph Valunas, who faithfully visited their aunt every week, saw to her needs, and brought her their love. Also, we appreciate Greenwood House and their Hospice for compassionate care.
Funeral services are Wednesday, July 8th, at 10:00 AM at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Rd., Ewing, NJ. Burial will follow at the Knights of Pythias Cemetery on Pitman Avenue, Hamilton, NJ.
The family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to Greenwood House or to Greenwood House Hospice at 53 Walter St., Ewing, NJ, 08628.