FORT MILL, SC ~ Darylene Rae Finkelstein from Clarion Pa — known to her family as Dar, and to countless children and hearts as Jelly the Clown — passed away on April 12th at the age of 72. She was the kind of person who believed that every moment was an opportunity to make someone smile, and she lived that belief every single day.

Dar spent many years as the Office Manager of Summit Eye Care in Gastonia, NC, where her warmth and steady hand made everyone who walked through the door feel at ease. But it was as Jelly the Clown that so many came to know her truest self — generous, joyful, and endlessly devoted to bringing light into the lives of others.

When Dar was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer, she faced the news the way she faced everything: head-on and thinking of others. Disheartened to find no local support group for those living with metastatic breast cancer, she simply started one herself, calling it The Charlotte Metsters. Her very first meeting was just she and one other person. Through her dedication and love, that small gathering grew into something far greater — and The Charlotte Metsters are now a proud part of Charlotte Breast Friends in Charlotte, NC, where her Legacy will carry on forever.

Dar is survived by her beloved husband Ted Finkelstein - know to all as “Peanut Butter”; Father Daryl “Dick” Hoover; Children Amy Jo Davies, Curt (Jena) McGrane; Step Daughter Stephanie Conte; Grandchildren Ashlee, Sarah, Sydney, Jackson, Michael, Maddie, Lilly; Sister Janice (Stanley) Michalski; Brother Mark (Kim) Hoover; and extended family who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her mother Peg Hoover; Sister Barbara Hoover; and Stepson Eric Finkelstein.

Jelly the Clown hung up her RED shoes, but the joy she scattered across this world will never fade. Dar didn’t just live her life — she gave it, every day, to everyone around her.

“She came. She loved. She made us laugh.”

There will be a Celebration of JOY on April 25th at 2:00 in the Sun City Lodge, 2955 Sun City Blvd, Fort Mill, SC 29707. Jelly requests that you dress informally and mis-matched clothes, or something silly would be greatly appreciated as this is a Celebration of JOY.

If you would like to send a donation, in her name, send it to the Carolina Breast Friends by going to https://bit.ly/InDarsHonor and fill in Dar’s name in the Honoree section. the donations will go directly to The Charlotte Metsters. Checks, in the name of Dar Finkelstein can be sent to Carolina Breast Friends, 1607 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207.