Elaine Savinar died peacefully on October 14, 2024 at the age of 96. She was adored and beloved by her family, friends and several others she met along her long, beautiful life. Known for her intelligence, kindness and generosity, she exemplified what it means to be a woman of valor.

Avivah Elaine Jaffe was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1928 to parents Julius B. Jaffe and Augusta Stusser Jaffe, who were immigrants to Canada from Latvia and Lithuania. During World War II, the Jaffe family moved to Seattle, WA where Elaine attended Broadway High School. Elaine received a BA in Music from the University of Washington, where she met her first husband Robert P. Weil from Hillsboro, Oregon. She was an active member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, regularly volunteering and participating in several clubs. In 1949, Elaine married Robert and they moved to Hillsboro, Oregon. Together, they raised three daughters, Sharon, Marlene, and Dana. In 1990, Elaine married Norman D. Savinar. They spent more than 20 years happily together, traveling the world, and spending time with family and friends, often while hosting parties in Portland and Cannon Beach. In her later years, Elaine spent time with her ‘sweetheart’ Herb Black, regularly enjoying meals out and vacationing in Palm Desert.

Throughout her life, Elaine has always been involved in the community, particularly with her synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel (CBI). Elaine served as a board member of Sisterhood from 1969-1971 and on the CBI Board of Directors in 1984. Through the Sisterhood program, she was very active in the annual rummage sales and fundraisers. Elaine was leading initiatives for the Foundation of the Blind, which helps raise money for the visually impaired, and was recognized by former First Lady, Pat Nixon in 1969. Elaine co-chaired the CBI Capital Campaign Committee in 1993, which fundraised to build Goodman Hall, the Pollin Chapel, and the Administrative Offices at the synagogue.

Elaine served on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Portland from 1972-1975. In 1974, Elaine joined the National Women’s Division Board, where she was selected to participate in a mission trip to Poland, Romania, and Israel. Her commitment to the Jewish Federation of Portland spanned across decades, where she co-chaired the Connections annual fundraiser with her daughters Sharon Weil and Dana Hunt. Elaine became a Lion of Judah in 1999. In 2022, Elaine Savinar was awarded the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award by the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland for her philanthropy in the community.

Passionate about improving the lives of her local community, Elaine was a member of the Jewish Family and Child Service Board for eight years and presided as President from 1977-1979. During this time, she led initiatives that supported Russian immigrants to receive resources and stable housing in the local community. She also served on the Board of the Friendly Rosenthal Foundation of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.

In the early 1980s, Elaine actively participated in the National Council of Jewish Women, an organization advocating for progressive ideals into action. This was closely tied to Cedar Sinai Park’s Capital Campaign, a fundraiser to support housing for the elderly, specifically building The May Apartments for Assisted Living.

Elaine’s leadership has been recognized and commended across the local Portland community. In 1975, Elaine was selected to participate in the Citizens Committee for Sister Cities International, a program that creates partnerships between communities in the US and other countries, where she traveled to Sapporo, Japan, and acted as an emissary for the Mayor of Portland. She also served on the Reed College Women’s Committee and was President of the Magnolia Investment Club. She regularly participated in blood drives for the American Red Cross, and volunteered with the March of Dimes and American Cancer Society.

Her activism and charitable giving spans across a variety of both local and national organizations, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Southern Poverty Law Center, Oregon Jewish Museum, Oregon Food Bank, Portland Art Museum, Portland Symphony, Oregon Public Broadcasting, OHSU, CASA, and World War II Veterans.

In her spare time, Elaine was passionate about the arts and enjoyed attending several local events, including the Portland Symphony, Portland Opera, Broadway Across America, Chamber Music and others. She enjoyed cooking, hosting parties, working in her garden, and participated in many book clubs, investment clubs, mahjong groups.

Inspired by her parents, Elaine has created a legacy of giving in the Portland community. Through her volunteer work, dedication to several organizations, and philanthropy, Elaine has been a driving force in improving the community in which we all live. Her memory serves as a reminder that we should all strive to make the world a better place for future generations. If you feel inclined, please consider a donation to Jewish Family Child Services

Elaine is survived by her daughters, Sharon, Marlene and Dana, son-in-laws Tim and Tad, and grandchildren Alicia, Bryan (Kelly), Harry (Annie) and Margaret (David).