Jill Elyse Gettinger

Jill Elyse Gettinger Educator, jewelry designer, business owner and child advocate. Beloved spouse of Bob Finnerty. Jill was born in New York City in 1947, part of the early wave of post war "baby boomers." When Jill was 14, her family moved to the small, coastal town of Brunswick, GA, where her father, George, managed a large garment factory. After graduating from Hofstra University on Long Island, NY, Jill began her career as an elementary school teacher in Brunswick. She later received her Master's Degree in Reading Education from Glassboro State College in New Jersey and subsequently taught reading in the Cherry Hill, NJ, area. Throughout her life, Jill loved children and strived to enrich their lives. After moving to Minneapolis with Bob, Jill became an entrepreneur as the owner of Heart of Gold jewelry store. Jill was an amazing friend to so many, and her generosity and caring nature endeared her to everyone who knew her. She was fiercely loyal to her family, and when one of them was ill or needed help, Jill dropped everything to be by their side. Jill was devoted to her beloved nieces and nephews, loved sending them gifts, and always wanted current news of their lives. A member of Temple of Aaron and its sisterhood, Jill participated in their philanthropic activities as well as those of other Twin Cities organizations. Jill is survived by her husband, Bob Finnerty, of Minneapolis; sister Gale Gettinger (husband Richard Ash) of Orinda, CA; brother Glen Gettinger (wife Cheryl) of Asheville, NC; nephew Brian Gettinger Ash (wife Sharon Sha) of Redwood City, CA; niece Julie Gettinger Ash of San Francisco; niece Haley Landwehr (husband Justin) of Matthews, NC; great-nephew Sage Ash and great-niece Seraphine Ash of Redwood City, CA. Memorial Service on May 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel, 1838 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis. Irish Wake. Monday, May 17, 2021 for Jill Elyse Gettinger (Jewish by birth and Irish by nature!) Educator, jewelry designer, business owner and child advocate. Beloved spouse of Bob Finnerty. Jill was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived there until age 14. She was fiercely proud of her family name, heritage and sense of responsibility. The family moved to Brunswick GA in 1961, where her father helped establish a garment factory. In 1964, Jill returned to New York to attend college, graduating from Hofstra University, in 1969. She later earned her Master's degree and was working on her PhD, when illness overtook her. Minneapolis, Minnesota (1976 - 2021):Jill came to Minneapolis in October 1976 to visit friend, Bob. She fell in love with both the City and the Man, consequently, lived here for 45 years (driving while directionally challenged the entire period). Jill owned and managed Heart of Gold Jewelry store in Minneapolis. For nine years, Jill also found time to teach (and nurture) under-privileged and foreign speaking children at Achieve Academy, in St Paul. During that time, Jill donated back more than her salary in money, clothing and portable libraries. She was a tireless fundraiser for numerous organizations; including St. Joseph's Home for Children, Temple of Aaron and St John's Church and School in Mendota. Jill loved Christmas, Hanukkah and "Little Ones" (whom she affectionately referred to as "Cutelets" and "Kidlets"). To everyone with children her greeting would be "How are our babies?" Minnesota family: Jill is survived by husband Robert Finnerty, sister-in-law Terri Rea (George), brother-in-law Jerry Finnerty (Judy), Nieces: Julie Rea and Ann Finnerty. Nephews George Rea Jr., Tony Finnerty, and Steve Sterner, as well as, numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Tributes

Jill Elyse Gettinger

January 7, 1947 - April 12, 2021

Tributes

Jill Elyse Gettinger

January 7, 1947 - April 12, 2021

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