Eileen Finestone
May 5, 1935 - May 10, 2025

EILEEN FINESTONE: Age 90, died peacefully on May 10, 2025. Born May 5, 1935, in New York City to Shirley and Louis (Joe) Sandfelder. Eileen grew up in Sunnyside Queens New York and graduated from Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. She continued her education at Hunter College, NYC where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education.

Eileen was the beloved wife, for over 50 years of the late Dr. Stephen Finestone, loving mother of Mark (Cindy), Scott (Rebecca) and Ross (Angela). "Silly Grandma" to Deborah, Edward, Hannah, and Luke, she was predeceased by her adorable grandson Zachary and her loving brother Martin and his dear wife Paula. Her brother's family includes her devoted niece Michele, nephews David and Robert and their families.

The Pittsburgh Chapter of her life began in 1962 when Steve joined Montefiore Hospital. Eileen served on many boards: Ladies Hospital Aid Society of Montefiore as President; Allegheny East Mental Health & Retardation, the Self-Help Group Network, and the Medina Chapter of NA'AMAT USA.  She enjoyed hobbies of needlepoint, reading, Scrabble, antique consignment shopping and boating.

Eileen graduated from Duquesne University with a master's in counseling and returned to nursing in the 1970's. She was a hospice nurse at Forbes Hospice and then worked for the Children's Home of Pittsburgh doing adoption studies and placements. 

A 15-year sojourn in Vero Beach Florida kept her busy - while she served on the Alzheimer & Parkinson Board and volunteered at the Environmental Learning Center. She then spent 5 years in Pittsburgh at the Brookdale Senior Living Center in the South Hills. She enjoyed the company of friends and the caring staff. In 2021 Eileen moved to Sonata Hunters Creek in Kissimmee Florida.

Her sense of humor was "acute" at times, she loved her family, friends and the many, lovable dogs that filled her home over the years. Eileen had a warm smile that brightened the room and a welcoming personality that ensured she never met a stranger. 

Graveside Services and Interment will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. To stream the funeral, please visit https://www.shiva.com/o614treh.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations in Eileen's honor to the Planned Parenthood of Pittsburgh, 933 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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I was deeply saddened to learn of Eileen’s passing. But she remains alive in the many fond memories I have of our early ‘crazy’ days of camping with family, boating in the rivers of Pittsburgh, and of course the famous motorcycle camping trip Eileen, Steve and I took to Virginia. She never stopped telling the fun adventures of our return trip in a hurricane! I can still hear her laugh! We love and miss you Eileen.

By Steven Klein - June 06, 2025

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Eileen was my dear friend. We shared so many good times together! I often called Eileen in Florida as frequently as she could answer her phone at the nursing home. We often talked about old times and beyond. We were great friends from Ladies Hospital Aid days onward and she was someone I could always count on. I visited Eileen and Steve in Florida a few times and always felt welcome. I will truly miss her.

By Marcia Weiss - May 15, 2025

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So sorry to hear of her passing. My mother - Inkie was close friends with Eileen. I used to babysit her sons regularly and help her with her dinner parties. She was always warm and gracious and joyful. In later years I would see her at my parents\' parties. Eileen was truly a caring person, concerned for many in need. My childhood and young adulthood, when I interacted with her, was better because of her goodness. I hope her later years were comfortable.

By Emily landerman Goldberg - May 15, 2025

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I am so sad to learn of Eileen’s passing. I have so many great memories- mostly of us laughing about something! I first met Eileen in 1985 when I worked at Allegheny East MH/MR Center where she was an active board member. I spent much time sitting in her kitchen when we both lived in Forest Hills. When she moved to South Hills I would pick her up and we’d go out to lunch. Once she moved to Florida, we stayed in touch by phone and letters. She was an amazingly smart woman- that was surpassed by her quick wit, her compassion and most of all her love for her family. May her memory be a blessing.

By Joan Stein - May 15, 2025

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I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Eileen Finestone. Growing up as a neighbor in Forest Hills (outside of Pittsburgh) being close friends with Ross and Scott, their home on Patrice Court was always a room and inviting house. I can not even count the number of hours we spent in their basement or living room playing board games and watching TV. I have know Ross since 2nd grade and now that are both 60 yrs old, 58 years have passed which is hard to believe. Scott and I worked together briefly while in school. I have lost many a game of ping pong to Ross. I am not sure I ever won, in honesty. We used to climb up and down the hill in the back of their home as a shortcut between Patrice and Carmel Courts. The route on the hill was so often traveled, we literally carved a diagonal path for our safety. Eileen was a great mother and wife who providing great comfort and care every time I visited their home.. I last spoke with here in October, 2024 letting her know my mother was moving into assisted living in Pgh, as both our parents were friendly. Mark, Scott and especially Ross are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Although I only speak with Ross on occasion - he is my oldest and dearest friend,. I wish I was a better friend. I will be watching the service tomorrow from my home in Chicago. Peace be with you all. Eric Newberg Barrington, IL

By Eric L. Newberg - May 14, 2025

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So many fond memories of Eileen. One of my favorites was a lesson on precise cutting of green peppers. She was very adept at getting the white ribs out without wasting the green. She then cut the green into same size pieces. She was a great teacher!

By Jennifer Weekman - May 13, 2025

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Sending sympathy and prayers to Eileen’s family. Eileen was always a joy to talk with on the phone when I was Bill Mulvaney’s assistant. She always had stories to share. Since my retirement, I have always thought about Eileen wondering how she was doing. We both have sons so of course our sons were one of our topics. Baking was another. Rest in peace Eileen. Sally Pavlina

By Sally Pavlina - May 13, 2025

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