Remembering Ilana C. Finkelstein

Obituaries

View our most recent obituaries for our Rochester and Victor locations.

Ilana died suddenly on January 9, 2021, at the all-too-young age of 33, from a pulmonary embolism. She is survived by parents Jacob and Gail Finkelstein and brother David Finkelstein, aunts and uncles Evi and Craig Thomas, Joseph and Sara Finkelstein, Gary and Gail Illman, and her many cousins. She was loved and supported by her Rochester extended family.

Ilana was a graduate of Brighton High School, and attended RIT’s School for American Crafts. She focused on her art, and was active in the summer craft fair circuit in the Rochester/Buffalo area. Recently she had been living in St. Paul, MN, where she had an art studio in Creator’s Space.

Ilana was a true artist, with an artist’s soul, eye and talent. She was known for her paintings, drawing, and sculpting, and had an enthusiastic following for each. Her first love was jewelry design, which she sold through her small business Needy Ego Designs. She saw the world through an artist’s eye, aware of the intrinsic beauty of things. She used her art to touch people and trigger an emotional response in all who experienced it. She cared deeply about the environment, animals, and the struggles people encounter in their lives. In her own way, she tried to make the world a better place.

Ilana had a special and unique relationship with her family and friends. Everyone seems to have a strong memory of her. Some examples:

Ilana had a heart as big as the ocean. She was morally outraged by the inequities and evils she saw all around her in the world. She loved animals totally and fiercely, especially her beloved cat Mr. Fish and her family dog, Peach.
She had hands meant for creating – jewelry, paintings and drawings, crocheting… she needed to keep those hands constantly busy and the objects she created were amazing.
If you knew her, you probably own something she made. She was always giving away her precious objects, especially if you admired something in particular. For her, art was not something to sell, but something to experience. She would say “take it” and would not take no for an answer. The world has lost a sweet young woman and an incredibly talented artist far too soon.

Ilana was a true gift to Gail, Jack and David. They waited so long for such a beautiful baby. On New Years Eve just 33 years ago, we all celebrated her arrival.

Ilana was a gifted artist, and jewelry making was her passion. Her pieces are beautiful – with precious stones, hand-made glass beads, and ceramics. With love and support from her parents, Ilana set up a tent at local festivals and art shows – people loved her work. Many of us knew to look for Ilana at Canal Days! And, as she made a home in St Paul, she found new venues for her art, and more people who loved and appreciated her jewelry.

Ilana had a deep sense of compassion for the suffering of others. Perhaps because she too had known difficult periods, she gave love generously to others in need. When Ben was so sick, and homebound, Ilana set up shop in our house. She would come by to just spend the day – to be an emotional support in the most simple ways. They needed each other – it was beautiful.

Ilana had a zest and gratitude for life.

Ilana had many challenges in her time with us. She faced them all with strength and determination. We greatly admire that she never gave up, worked very hard, and beat back every challenge, no matter how hard the circumstance. Many people cared deeply about her. We cherish the time we had with her.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral services and interment will be held privately.

Donations may be made to the Temple Beth El Ilana Finkelstein Art Fund in Ilana’s memory.

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To live stream Ilana’s funeral service, please visit www.tberochester.org on THURSDAY, January 14^th at 11 AM.

Or you can view the service via Zoom, by clicking the link below.

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To live stream Ilana’s Graveside Service, please click the Zoom link below. (Please note – IF it’s not live right at 12:00 PM, please be patient as we will be first arriving in procession and may need a minute or two to get situated.)

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The family will sit Shiva via Zoom on Thursday at 7 PM. Please click the Zoom link below to join the family.

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