Obituary of Francoise C Fineman

Françoise Fineman, 101 years old, of Vineland New Jersey passed away quietly at home on Monday, October 23 with her sons at her side. Françoise was born in French-speaking Lauzon, Québec, Canada on March 20, 1922. Her family moved to the United States when she was 15 years old and took up residence in Kearny, New Jersey. At that time, she spoke very little English. By serendipity, she went to a local hardware store that was owned by her future parents- in-law, Abraham and Esther Fineman. There, she met Jean Fineman, a future simultaneous translator for the UN, who helped her master English. Jean and Françoise formed a friendship they maintained for 85 years. However, notable this lifelong relationship was, it led to another of even more consequence as Jean introduced Françoise to her brother, Milton. At the outbreak of the second world war, Milton volunteered for the infantry and was assigned to basic training in South Carolina. When Françoise visited Milton at his base, they decided to immediately marry, much to the surprise of their families. Thereafter, Milton was assigned to the Pacific theater as a first lieutenant in the infantry. Milton, after several amphibious assaults, returned from the war in 1946. The reunited couple then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Milton attended the University of Pennsylvania medical school on the G.I. Bill. During this time the couple had their sons Darrell and Daniel. Upon the completion of the medical degree, Milton fulfilled the obligations mandated by the G.I. Bill with an internship and residency at Gorgas Hospital in Panama. Subsequently, the couple moved to New Haven, Connecticut and Framingham, Massachusetts to complete Milton's residency training. The couple then decided to settle in Vineland New Jersey in 1954 where Milton opened the medical practice he maintained until his retirement. Françoise and Milton remained in Vineland for the rest of their lives to raise their family and to pursue their creative interests. Françoise loved art and was fond of attending museums and galleries in Philadelphia, New York, and internationally. Françoise was an artist and trained at the Philadelphia Art Museum where she specialized in sculpture. She made friends with internationally known artist Darlene Love. Under her instruction, Françoise developed her techniques in fiberglass, bronze, and clay. Thereafter, her talent and success were remarkable. After only a few years, she had a personal show at the 3rd St., Gallery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This event was reviewed by the New York Times in a full-page article, a recognition awarded few artists. Françoise's remarkable success in art reflected her general character. She was an intelligent, well-read person who loved culture and theater. She was a knowledgeable collector of antiques and had a significant flair for decorating and furnishing. Later in life, she enjoyed travel with her husband and with her good friend Joanne Greenspun, a notable Vineland librarian. In short, Françoise was a vivacious and engaging personality who charmed everyone she met with her wit and colorful language. That same vivacious flare also found expression in gardening and flower arranging: a skill she exercised with the local garden club. She played bridge and belonged to the Vineland Women's Club and League of Women Voters. She loved golf and play frequently and enthusiastically with their friends at many of the local golf clubs well into her 80s. Her vivid character was, in part, a manifestation of her general vitality. Françoise was very fortunate to have excellent health for 100 years and was able to drive an automobile until she was 95 years old. She was an accomplished cook in the French-Canadian tradition. She prepared several traditional from ragu to pecan pie dishes at holidays to the delight of family and friends. She took great pride in her family. Their accomplishments gave her great joy. Their love was what most comforted until the moment of her death on October 23, 2023. She was 101 years, 7 months, and 3 days old. She is survived by her sons, Darrell Fineman, his wife Lois (Scattolini); Daniel Fineman and his wife Pam Hillman; her grandchildren, Lee Fineman and her wife, Allison Smith; Alane Fineman and her husband Charles Christie; Agatha Fineman and her husband Travis Cook and Madeleine Silverman (Fineman) and her husband Josh Silverman. She has eight grandchildren, Jack Christie, Samuel Christie, Quinn Fineman, Tanner Smith, Hendrix Fineman, Dashiell Cook, Isabel Silverman, and Colette Silverman. A private funeral ceremony was held at the Rone Funeral Service on October 25, 2023 In lieu of flowers, those who are so moved may make a donation to the institution she most loved, the Philadelphia Museum of art. Instructions for such gifts are given below. www.philamuseum.org or to Philadelphia Museum of Art, Attn: Gift Processor PO Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646 ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com