PORTLAND, Ore. – 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.

They are 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, stepsiblings 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; and many loving friends.

Due to COVID-19, the funeral service will be private.

Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view Elli’s online memorial and offer condolences.

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.

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