Jessica Ann Finlayson, 28, of Whitehall, died Jan. 22, 2021, at her parents’ home, surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was the daughter of Norman Finlayson and his wife, Eileen, Jean Dalstad and her husband, Erik.

She was a graduate of Emmaus High School and earned a math degree from Lebanon Valley College. She was an eighth grade math teacher at Northampton Middle School and head varsity coach of Northampton girls high school volleyball team. When not coaching, she played volleyball in indoor and outdoor leagues and tournaments around the Lehigh Valley. She received her master’s degree in December 2019 while teaching, coaching and going through cancer treatments. In 2020, she continued to take graduate classes and aspired to become a math curriculum writer.

Her first job was at the Inside Scoop ice cream shop where she learned to make ice cream, which she loved. She also loved dogs and became a “dog mom” to Lexi after buying her own home, where she resided with the other love of her life, Tyler Smith.

An avid skier, she frequently went to Blue Mountain and on family ski trips. She loved going to her parent’s lake house at Lake Hauto and enjoyed boating, swimming, water skiing, reading and playing volleyball on the beach. She loved country music and attended the Country Music Festival in Nashville annually. Playing games was her passion and she was extremely competitive and did not like to lose at anything. Her smile and positive attitude for life was contagious.

She is survived by her parents; siblings, Becca Dalstad, Erinne, Kevin; boyfriend, Tyler Smith; dog Lexi; huge family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Contributions may be made to the National Brian Tumor Society or American Brain Tumor Association. In 2020, a virtual Race for Hope walk/run/ride was held in honor of “Team Jess” and the plan is to continue this tradition for many years to come.

Friends may call 9-11:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at Bethany Church, 3801 Brookside Road, Macungie. Face masks and social distancing will be required. A private family service will be held noon; however it can be viewed online at bethanyumchurch.com/watch. Arrangements were made by the Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc.