Lois Jean Feinberg passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2022, less than three weeks shy of her 90th birthday. She was born on Dec. 27,1932, in Syracuse, and was the third child and eldest daughter of six children of the late Francis and Anita Wales.
Lois attended Central High School where she met the love of her life, Bennett Feinberg. They married just out of high school and lived in a two-family home on Henry Street where they started a family. Lois was devoted to her husband and her four children. Ben and Lois worked together in the family business, Phillip Feinberg & Son, where she worked from home doing all of the accounting. As the business and family grew they moved to Fayetteville.
Lois was known to be an extremely hard worker and she lived a life of service to others. Initially Lois’ service was to her family and to the business. She was an impeccable housekeeper and a jack of all trades, painting, gardening, and fixing anything that broke. She was also an accomplished cook and baker, making holiday meals that were delicious and plentiful.
When Ben died at the young age of 50, after a long mourning period, Lois chose to become a care giver to the elderly in their homes. Initially she worked for Home Aids of CNY. There she was soon recognized as an exemplary caregiver and won several awards for her achievements. Two years later she began a private practice. In her role as caregiver her hard work, dependability, trustworthiness and intellect made her highly sought after. She loved her clients and their families and they loved her. She often worked 80 hours a week, not being able to turn families down when they asked her to stay on.
After 20 years of devoted care to her clients, Lois retired in 2012 and moved to Rochester, N.Y., where she lived with her son, Andy, and his family. She later moved to an assisted living where her warmth and compassion were on display each day as she moved through the building conversing with residents and sharing stories, making her a friend to all and a popular resident. Lois adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits.
Lois was predeceased by her husband, Bennett Feinberg; her parents, Anita and Francis Wales; her brothers, Keith Wales, Richard Wales and James Wales; as well as her sister, Gail Wales Juneau.
She is survived by her four children: Marilyn K. Feinberg, Barton K. Feinberg (Sarah Stack), Debbie J. McClenahan, and R. Andrew Feinberg (Heidi Wasserstrom).
Lois leaves eight grandchildren: Nathan P. Feinberg, Justin S. Feinberg (Sita Haldipur) Benjamin W. Feinberg (Joelle Snee), Michael McClenahan, Heather McClenahan, Christopher McClenahan, A. Bennett Feinberg and Jonathan R. Feinberg. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Dec. 16, 2022 at Newell-Fay Schepp Funeral Home, 8171 Cazenovia Road, Manlius, NY 13104. Calling hours will be from 10 to 11 a.m. A service will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in memory of Lois to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation @ jdrf.org. Go to Donations “In Memory of”, or St. Jude’s Children’s hospital @ stjude.org
For guest book, please visit scheppfamily.com.
