Endwell, NY – The community is mourning the loss of Mildred Ann Finkelstein (Millie), who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 75. Known for her boundless generosity, love, and devotion to family and friends, Millie’s passing has left a significant void in the hearts of all who knew her. As a wife, mother, sister, and friend, she was a beacon of kindness, a warm presence in the lives of those fortunate to experience her.
What Happened
Millie passed away at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. Born on January 18, 1950, in Queens, NY, to Mildred (née Bobek) and Andrew Mihok, she was predeceased by her husband Alan Finkelstein, her brother Andrew Mihok, and both of her parents. Millie spent over 45 years of her life as a devoted wife to Alan and as a dedicated mother to their three children: Lisa, David, and Jeffrey.
Her life was full of purpose, and she is remembered for her ability to put others first, always ensuring that her loved ones were taken care of. She was an active member of the Vestal and Endwell communities, beloved for her kindness and dedication to the well-being of others.
Who Was Millie / Background
Millie graduated from Vestal Senior High School and went on to earn her BS in Secondary Math Education from SUNY Cortland. After spending time in a successful career in production and quality control at IBM, Millie decided to focus on raising her children. Her deep commitment to education later led her to return to teaching at both the Vestal Central and Maine-Endwell school districts, where she was loved by students and teachers alike for her dedication and inspiring teaching style.
She was born into a family with deep cultural roots, as all of her grandparents immigrated from what is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Millie carried on these traditions with pride, especially when it came to cooking. Her family fondly remembers her preparing halušky (stuffed cabbage), koláčky (fruit jam pastry), and makový závin (poppy seed roll) during the holidays, a testament to the warmth and love she put into everything she did.
Legacy and Contributions
Millie’s life was one of service and giving. She was passionate about staying active and enjoyed line dancing, Tai Chi, and exercise classes at both the Broome West and Johnson City senior centers. Throughout her retirement, Millie continued to be an active member of her community and a positive influence on those around her. Her strength, warmth, and resilience during her battle with illness was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Millie’s family has expressed deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Broome Oncology and UHS Radiation Oncology, whose care extended her life by an additional two years, giving her family more time to cherish together.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Millie’s passing has left many in the community heartbroken, but also grateful for the impact she had on their lives. The community has come together in a shared expression of love and admiration for Millie, with tributes pouring in from family, friends, and neighbors. Her unwavering kindness and generosity have been remembered in social media posts, stories, and personal reflections that celebrate her life.
What Happens Next
Millie’s family will honor her life with a memorial service at Celebrations on Park at 136 Park Ave., Binghamton, NY, on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, beginning at 12:00 pm, with a service at 1:00 pm. Family, friends, and community members are invited to gather to reflect on her life and share memories. In lieu of flowers, Millie’s family has requested that donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org) in her memory, reflecting her unwavering strength and grace in the face of adversity.
Closing
Millie’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of strength and compassion that will continue to inspire those she touched for years to come. While she may no longer be with us, her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the memories of all those who were fortunate enough to call her family, friend, or teacher.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
