OBITUARY
Eliana "Elli" "Jackson (Jax)" Finberg
April 1, 1996 – February 4, 2021
Eliana Malka Finberg, who also went by the names Elli Rose and Jackson (Jax) Rose, died Feb. 4, 2021, in Portland, Ore. They were 24.
Eliana was born April 1, 1996, in Portland, Maine. From a young age, they pursued passions with determination and an artistic flare. Though they excelled in academics, they especially loved the arts, playing piano, violin and flute in school all while being active in theater. In addition to being a voracious reader, they found comfort and enjoyment in photography, painting, writing, and experimenting in a variety of artistic endeavors.
They attended Camp Ramah in Palmer, Mass., for many summers and thought of it as a home away from home, a respite of sorts from life in Portland and a place where lifelong friendships were made. A 2014 graduate of Portland High School, Eliana served as the co-editor in chief of the school’s newspaper as well as co-president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). They spent a year at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif., exploring gender and sexuality studies as well as TV and film production. They later obtained a pastry certification from The French Pastry School in Chicago, and then moved to Portland, Ore., where they created beautiful pastries and cakes at several local bakeries, including Lauretta Jean’s Pie, Farina Bakery and most recently Little T American. They enjoyed selling their art locally and online and worked at Collage PDX until the start of the pandemic. They also worked briefly at Boys and Girls Aid as a Youth Care Counselor where they previously volunteered. In the fall of 2020, while working full-time, Elli returned to school, enrolling in Portland Community College to study library science.
Elli, who recently chose to be called Jackson, cared deeply for other people — those often at the margins of society and especially the LGBTQ+ community. They also deeply valued friendships and often expressed how fortunate they were to have close friends in both Portlands who provided immeasurable emotional support. They credited friendships with providing the sustenance to keep trying to navigate the challenges brought on by mental illness. Our family is forever grateful to all who supported and loved this beautiful young spirit. We encourage others who are struggling to please reach out for help (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/). To prevent suicide, we need to be able to talk about it openly – without fear or shame.
Elli is predeceased by a younger brother, Ezra, and paternal grandfather, Norman Buddy Finberg. They are survived by mother and stepfather Amy Rolnick and John Williamson, father Rick Finberg, brother Noah Finberg, step siblings Tim Williamson, Jennifer Braziel and Laura Williamson, paternal grandmother Nancy Finberg, maternal grandparents Michael and Louise Rolnick, and aunts, uncles, cousins who all loved them dearly. They also left behind their beloved cat, Peaches.
Due to COVID-19, the funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Avenues for Youth Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center in Portland Ore. (http://www.smyrc.org), NAMI Maine (https://www.namimaine.org/) or the charity of your choice.
Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view Elli’s online memorial and offer condolences.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Eliana "Elli" "Jackson (Jax)" Finberg
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBecky Schnur
February 14, 2021
Oh, Amy, I just heard this sad news. I am so sorry. Thinking of you and your family. May Jax’s memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to you all.
Crystal Ayala
February 13, 2021
Dear Jackson, you will be truly missed. I am so sorry for the pain you lived in and wish this world was just an ounce as kind as you were to it.
I worked with Jax, and he was such a bright and caring soul. He gave so much to the community in Portland. Jackson was talented, so very thoughtful, artistic, giving, real goofy, and unfortunately hurting. I am so proud of him for expressing who he was inside, and heartbroken for him and everyone who loved him.
Rest In Peace Jax
Colleen Donovan
February 13, 2021
Dear Amy,
I am so sorry for your deep loss. Eliana was a beautiful person - they will be missed on this Earth.
Colleen, Chris, and Clare
Debbie Remar Petrovsky
February 13, 2021
Rick, Amy, Nancy, Noah, Stephen, Jill, and Family
I was saddened to hear of your recent family trajedy. I am so sorry that your beloved Eliana was taken from you. May you find comfort in the treasures you shared.
I wish you did not have to go through this profound hardship.
Warmly,
Debbie
Carolyn Radding
February 12, 2021
My heart breaks for your entire family. My deepest condolences to everyone.
Philip Thibault
February 12, 2021
Losing any Portland High Student is a tragedy--Losing this student is heartbreaking....My deepest condolences to their family and especially to their strong cadre of friends--the Portland High family is like none other. --Monsieur/Magister T.
Jessica Lantos
February 11, 2021
We send our deepest condolences to your family, and we keep you in our hearts.
Tom and Jessica Lantos
Vickie Lamontagne
February 10, 2021
Years ago I took my daughter to see High School Musical at Lyman Moore. I remember Eliana as the little girl standing next to a very tall O'Kelley and then they danced. So much fun to watch her. I still smile when I think of this. Keeping Eliana's family in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Monique Gaudet
February 10, 2021
I am so, so, so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I met Eliana only a few times, but they made a deep impression on me. They were such a lovely, kind, funny, intelligent, and thoughtful person – and impossibly beautiful. My heart breaks for you and your family. My deepest condolences.
Marshall & Amy Tinkle
February 10, 2021
Amy, Rick, Nancy, Mike & Louise and the whole family: please accept our deepest condolences. You are all thought of with great love and compassion at this time. We pray you find solace and eventually peace with the support and help of everyone around you. Those of us at Etz Chaim synagogue (and, we assume, the entire Jewish community) stand ready to welcome you to our virtual minyans, should that provide a measure of comfort.
Paul Foster
February 10, 2021
"Photography is a great way to see the world a little differently."
That was the quote Jax gave me in 2012 when I was writing an article for Journalism class about our Photography Club's photo gallery. It was just a line they threw out to help me pass an assignment, but it also perfectly fit Jax and their art; with beautiful creative expressions, they never failed to make you think of the world in a new way.
I met Jax during freshman year at Portland High School, but at the time, I had no idea they'd probably be the one person the most time with for the next four years. We would find ourselves in the same classes, seating charts put us next to each other, and we were usually assigned the same groups for projects. It turns out there aren't many people who have last names that start with 'F,' it also turns out that apparently, alphabetical order is the only way to sort out students, and because of that, I was given one of the most wonderful friendships of my life.
Like many people, fitting in was often a struggle for me, and social anxiety was beyond familiar, but as one of the most kind and generous souls I will ever know, Jax always knew how to make sure you never felt alone.
A driving force in encouraging me creatively, one of the only reasons I had the confidence to express my love of acting was Jax's support, and being able to share a stage with them is something I'll never forget.
Junior Prom, the One-Act Festival, getting caricatures together at Project Graduation, there are too many memories to count, and even though we talked less in recent years, I always hoped there would be more.
They led a life that was truly their own, and I'll never be anything but thankful I was able to play a small part in it.
I am so incredibly sorry and send my deepest condolences.
Sena Blevins
February 9, 2021
It was such a blessing to meet Jax, I'd come into where they worked for some coffee and I'll just never forget how their eyes would light up the whole room. ~Forever cherished~
Ebonie Stevens
February 8, 2021
I have so many fond memories with Jax! From musical theater to class projects. I recently reconnected with them on Instagram and enjoyed all their art. All my love and condolences to their family.
Lauren Stearns
February 8, 2021
I babysat Eliana when they were little. For me it would be those twinkling eyes and smile! Also playing piano with them. My love and warmth to the family<3
Katie Woessner
February 8, 2021
I went to camp with Jackson, and their positive aura was truly infectious. I fondly remember attending their bat mitzvah as well as other happy memories. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
Terry MacDonald
February 8, 2021
I taught Eliana/Jax in 6th grade at Lyman Moore. My memories are of an enthusiastic, caring, and fun student. I have a smile on my face now thinking of your child in my class. I was so saddened to read about your loss. My condolences to all.
Terry MacDonald
Rosalee Lamm
February 8, 2021
I taught physics to Jax in high school, they were so curious and engaged and intelligent. I am so sad to hear of their death. I am so sorry. They were a wonderful person.
Marggi Shechanah
February 8, 2021
Amy, Rick, and Noah - I was so saddened to hear the tragic news about Jax. I'll never forget their twinkling, wise smile as a pre-schooler right after I moved to Maine or as a 5th grader in my Hebrew school class. And it was wonderful to reconnect with them at Ramah during the recent years they worked on staff. My heart is with you sending love and condolences to all. Z"l
Judith Wohl
February 8, 2021
Dearest Amy,
I just read the tragic news about Elli, and I am still in shock. Although I believe that God does not give us more than we can handle, this is too much. Please know that Jane and I are here for you anytime, day or night. Please let us know if you will be doing a virtual shiva. We love you, and offer sincere condolences. Zichrona livracha. May your beautiful child’s memory be a blessing. 💕❤️🌈
steven caminiti
February 8, 2021
Rick and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
My Condolences.
Steven Caminiti
Toby Adelman
February 8, 2021
Condolences to Jax’s family and friends on the loss of such a brilliant, shining soul. Jax accomplished so much in their life in connecting deeply with others, in passionately exploring their talents, and by giving so generously to support others on their journey in life. May Jax’s memory be a blessing.
Barbara and Burt EPSTEIN
February 7, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Eliana’s entire family on the untimely passing of this spritely and beautiful being.
Barbara and Burt Epstein
Nancy and David Brenerman
February 7, 2021
We met Eliana/Jax in the neighborhood where we all lived and where we watched them grow. Our favorite memory was when they would have a project to sell something for school or a group they belonged to. They always were smiling and so sweet and cute when they came to the door ready with that year’s sales pitch! Beautiful, creative , loving and talented souls...gone too soon. We grieve for your and the world’s loss of these beautiful beings, but also for the pain they experienced in their short life just trying to “be”. Amy and Rick, our hearts break for you and Noah. May their memory be a blessing.
Nancy Levinsky
February 7, 2021
Our entire family is so sad for the loss of Elli Rose/Jax Rose.
I knew them best when they were in Hebrew School. I will never forget their spirit and they had an infectious smile with twinkling eyes. The Bat Mitzvah was so lovely and the love they had for Camp Ramah was so evident. Such an intelligent and warm human being. They touched the hearts of so many.
May you lean on family and friends at this most difficult time. If there is anything we can do, please let us know!
Sincerely, Nancy, Ken, Andrea and Greg
Yael Schwarzman
February 7, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about this. The person I met as Eliana was one of my first friends at camp. We immediately bonded as "Maine buddies." Our height difference made us an amusing pair, with many people assuming we were counselor and camper. We shared many happy memories at camp over the years, which I will treasure.
Sending love and hugs to their family and all those who feel this heartbreaking loss.
Nellie Gold-Pastor
February 6, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. I went to camp with Jackson for several years and only had positive experiences with them. They were always were such a caring and nice person, and always were concerned for the feelings of others. Jackson was such a loving person with whomever they interacted with. We will treasure their memory. Sending love and prayers for their family.-