Isabell Marie "Reitano" Fina

Penfield, NY

Isabell Marie Fina, born May 26,1933 and passed peacefully on June 9, 2024 while surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Joseph Fina, who affectionately referred to her as his “young blushing bride”. Isabell is also survived by her brother Rocky Reitano, brother Vinny (Patty Valerie) Reitano, son Joe (Kim) Fina, daughter Lisa (Scott) Lippa, son Michael (Jodi) Fina and grandchildren Kristin (Matthew) Izzo, Elizabeth (Giuseppe Battisti) Lippa, Michael (Tess Keele) Lippa, AJ Fina and Sophia Mae Fina.Also survived by brother/sister-in-laws Dr. Charles Fina, Leonard & Kay Fina. Isabell is predeceased by her parents Rocco & Carmella Reitano, brother Frank (Jenny) Reitano, brother Tony (Beverly) Reitano and sister-in-law Barbara Reitano. Also predeceased by brother/sisters-in-law Ann Marie Cilano, Ann Fina, Lucille Chilton and Mike & Rosaline Sylvestri.

“Never cross the river, look what happened to me. I found your Mother in a broccoli field in Gates”, Joe would often joke, given his upbringing on the East side and Isabell’s on a West side farm. Isabell would always respond, “I’m the best thing that ever happened to you” … to which Joe would acknowledge with a nod & a smile, especially after 67 years of marriage which started when they originally met at the Rochester YWCA swimming pool.

Isabell's professional journey was marked by dedication, passion, diligence and excellence. Her professional career started at the Rochester Air Force office, then that of a stay-at-home Mom and later tenured at McQuaid Jesuit High School. Her official McQuaid job title may have been “Principal Secretary”, but a number of McQ Alumni would affectionately attest to something along the lines of “The Law”. Always tough, always fair, always passionate and always diligent in her part of building “Men For Others”.

Accomplishments and accolades were many, but Isabell was at her best as a Daughter, a Sister, a Wife, an Aunt Izzy, a Friend, a Bridge Group Member, a Mother-in-law and a mother. Born & raised with love that she abundantly passed onto those she raised and loved in return, including her many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality where all were welcomed with open arms. She found immense joy in cooking for her family, sharing cherished recipes and gathering loved ones around her table.

Thank you to all of those that shared your love with her and her family over the years. Thank you to the 5th & 6th floor ICU & Oncology Rock Stars at Rochester General Hospital and the wonderful staff at the Hildebrandt Hospice Center. Your kindness and care were a source of comfort during a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or planting of Isabells’ favorite flower, a Calla Lily, coupled with your memory of her and those that you love.

No prior calling hours.
Family and friends may assemble, 10 am Saturday morning June 22, 2024 at St. Joseph's Church, 43 Gebhardt Rd. Penfield, NY 14526 for Isabell's mass of Christian burial. A reception will follow mass. Entombment is private in Christ Our Light Mausoleum at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

To sign her online guestbook or to leave a condolence click the above link, "share memories".