Carol Valerie Finley, 84, of East Herkimer, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown.

Born on January 1, 1942, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Carol was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Ruth (Adams) Conners. She grew up and received her education in Niagara Falls, Ontario where she completed high school.

On March 19, 1996, she married Ronald E. Finley in a loving union of 24 years until his passing on November 19, 2020.

Carol worked as a teacher's assistant at BOCES in Herkimer, a role she cherished while supporting children with disabilities. In her spare time, she also worked in real estate with Martha’s Realty. At home, she was passionate about gardening, cooking and entertaining. She tended her yard and gardens with great enthusiasm and always enjoyed any opportunity to cook for family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, William Clark and his companion Linda Senko of Herkimer, and Sidney Clark and his wife Penny of Herkimer; her grandchildren, Matthew, Alyssa, Jessica, and Chase; her sister Linda Botbyl and her husband Harry of Niagara Falls, Ontario and half- brother Richard Landrey and his companion Heather of Brandon, Manitoba; her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Lilah, Aurora, Lucas and Colton; her step- children David, Ronald Craig, Wendy, Barbara and Dale Finley; and several nieces and nephews.

Carol was predeceased by her siblings Gary Conners, Gail Lawson and Sandra Smith-Petersen.

In keeping with her wishes, services will be private and held at Oak Hill Cemetery later this spring, at the family's convenience.

The family has placed Carol's care in the hands of Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer, NY.