Vondel Smith Mortuary (North)

Carolyn (Carol) Thomas Finder beloved mother, grandmother and wife passed away on February 3, 2022. She was born on April 28, 1944 in the New York City borough of the Bronx to parents Daniel and Edna Thomas (dec). She was the loving wife, confidante and soul mate of Colonel Jack L. Finder (USAF Ret) for 57 years and the loving and devoted mother to sons, Robert and Jonathan and his wife, Jillian; and daughter, Susan Swann and her husband Michael, grandmother to Matthew and his fiancé Christen and Adrianna Swann and Brendan and Emily Finder. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Seymour Finder, his wife Harriet and their children, and nieces and nephews. Carol was raised by her loving step-mother Minnie (Rupp) Thomas (dec). She grew up in Queens, New York. She was a bright student and graduated from high school when she was barely 16. Later she became among the youngest Air Force employees, and received numerous superior and outstanding performance reports and awards during her career. While employed in New York City, she met and married Jack and promptly left for Germany and a 3 year honeymoon. There she worked for the head of the Air Force Audit Agency as the executive secretary/administrative assistant. She traveled extensively and collected her first of many schnauzers. Carol loved the breed and bred top quality dogs. She was similarly passionate about her Siamese cats. Jack's military service took Carol not only to Europe but also to Asia and several US states. She toured and enjoyed the many cultures. Among her other passions was bowling. For many years she was among the elite high average bowlers wherever she lived. She also often served as bowling leagues secretary/treasurer. In service to her community Carol served many years in a variety of volunteer positions with her home owners association, i.e., Board of Directors as President and Secretary, green belt and communications chairperson. Carol enjoyed cooking, took a number of special gourmet classes and hosted many dinner parties. She was skilled in crafts, including ceramics, needlepoint and especially quilting, leaving many heirlooms for family and friends. Carol lived life and the many friends that she made. She could tell a joke with the best and her hearty laugh was not only infectious but singular. You knew Carol was in the room. She will be greatly missed.