Jo Fintel, former First Lady of Roanoke, passes

It is with a heavy heart that I share news with you today. Roanoke College Trustee Peggy Fintel Horn called to let us know that Jo Fintel passed away this morning. As many of you know, Jo was Roanoke's first lady for 14 years. Her husband, Norm Fintel, was Roanoke's eighth president and Jo was completely his partner in the presidency.

Norm died in April of 2017 on the morning of our Alumni Weekend. On that day, Norm and Jo, along with David and Susan Gring, were honored as our College Medalists in our 175th year. Jo bravely, lovingly, and eloquently paid tribute to Norm and the College at the ceremony. Many of you were there for her touching comments.

Please join me in prayer and sympathy for her children: Peggy Fintel Horn and her husband, Doug, who are both Roanoke graduates; Barbara Fintel Collins and her husband, William; and William Fintel and his wife, Connie; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Michael Fintel, who works in our Admissions office, is one of Norm and Jo's grandsons.

If you would like to send condolences to be delivered to the Fintel family, you may leave cards with Peggy Akers in the Resource Development Office or email rcnews@roanoke.edu.

Jo added much life to Roanoke College and we mourn the loss of this special member of the Roanoke College family.

Read the full obituary from The Roanoke Times here. 

The Fintel family will hold a memorial service for Jo Fintel on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 2:00p.m. in Antrim Chapel.