Jessica Eileen Melore

Jessica was born in New York City, and lived there until the age of 11 when her family moved to Branchburg, NJ. She enjoyed playing tennis, participating in school plays, and singing in the school choirs. At the age of 16, Jessica suffered a massive heart attack. Nine months later, she received a heart transplant, and shortly after graduated from Somerville High School. Jessica attended Princeton University, graduating in 2003, and received the Service to the Nation Award.

Following college, Jessica resided in New York City, where she lived and worked for the next sixteen years. She was a leader in communications, health education, and community and employee engagement who was passionate about helping others fulfill their greatest potential and live their best quality of life. Besides her full-time career, Jessica was a professional motivational speaker, appearing internationally at many conferences and events. She became a tireless advocate for organ donation and helped raise awareness for cancer survivors as well those who are physically challenged. Jessica loved to travel, visiting numerous countries across Europe, Asia, South America, and Oceania. She was a self-described “foodie”, frequenting a vast array of restaurants across New York City. She also loved attending concerts, in particular Indie Rock and Opera. Jessica lived for twenty years with her heart transplant, was a leg amputee, and was a three- time cancer survivor. She lived life to the fullest despite her adversity, which earned her the nickname "Wonder Woman".

Jessica is survived by her parents Thomas and Ellen, her brother Matthew, sister-in-law Jennifer, and many loving friends and family members.

A celebration of Jessica’s life will be held from 3-8pm on Wednesday, October 2nd at Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY. Limited metered street parking is available, as well as a parking garage at Paramount Car Park LLC, 353 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY. Nearby subway stops include the F/G train 4 Ave- 9 St station and the R train 9 St station.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11am on Thursday, October 3rd at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Brooklyn, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harboring Hearts at www.harboringhearts.org/donate and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.