NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Shirley Irene (Wood) Finkelstein, 89 of North Adams, MA, died on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Williamstown Commons. She was born in North Adams, MA on October 25, 1933 a daughter of Samuel and Hazel (Atwood) Wood. She graduated from Drury High School in 1951 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Massachusetts in 1955.

Shirley married Dr. Manuel Finkelstein on June 13, 1957. Not only were they husband and wife, but they were also best friends, doing almost everything together. Though small in stature, Shirley had a big heart and would help anyone who needed it, donating annually to many causes, both locally and globally. She was also an avid reader and made it a goal of hers to read at least 52 books every year. Shirley was active in the community with her husband, as the two of them were longtime volunteers together at Mass MoCA, the North Adams Historical Society, and the North Adams Tourist Booth. For a stretch of 26 years from 1980 until her husband's knee replacement in 2006, the two of them were active walkers, averaging 4½ miles a day and topping 1000 total miles each year. Shirley also enjoyed both crossword and jigsaw puzzles as well as shopping, dining out, and 1940s jazz and big band music.

Survivors include her two sons - Daniel (Mary) Finkelstein of Troy, MI and Andrew Finkelstein of North Adams, with whom she made her home. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Susan Wood of Long Island, NY and Egremont, MA, as well as several nieces and one nephew. She was predeceased by her husband (2019), as well as two brothers - Samuel and Edwin (Ned), and a son Joseph.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Services for Shirley Finkelstein are private. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Friendship Center Food Pantry and MASS MoCA in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.