Dear Renehan Family,

 I just discovered Jessica passed away when looking up old childhood friends on Facebook, and had to read and re-read because I couldn't believe it. Jessie was my first best friend when we moved to Huntington. I have so many fond memories of playing at your house, sledding down Valley Drive, having adventures in your yard, and the epic sleepover parties at my house.  The dance recitals at Circle of Dance, the painting of her and other girls on the wall,  the way we placed with care bears and those life like looking baby dolls. Endless Barbie story-lines and fashion shows. Fun times at Bay Hills Beach. 

Jessie was always fun, adventurous, sporty, popular, and full of life. It just doesn't make sense in this life when tragedies like this happen.  Though we didn't stay in touch, I can see she built a beautiful life for herself and it looks like she lived life to the fullest.
My deepest condolences and my Mom and Dad's to you, Dan, Danny and Kathleen, her husband and children and all who loved her. 

God bless you all,

Lauren Soule (Nevins)

So sad to hear of Jessica’s passing. What a heartbreaking loss. We crossed paths at DCR and I immediately found her to be a kindred spirit. Sassy, joyful, witty, energetic. Her light much too short lived. My thoughts go out to her beautiful young family and her entire support system. I hope you feel her constant presence and that it brings peace and comfort to all of you. 💖

2007 Boston Harbor Islands training on the Lettie G. Howard. Jess was in her element out on the browsprit with her big smile and sense of adventure.

This news hurts, and my heart and deepest condolences go out to Dan, Edward, Ellie and all her family and friends for their unspeakable  loss of Jessica. I only knew her briefly during the ANFT guide immersion training in September 2019 at Bethel Farm in NH but what a light she was during that brief moment in time.  I'll remember her as a leader, encourager, and a spirit lifter with a deep caring soul. She obviously didn't let her life trials get in the way of her dedication to everything she put her mind to. Rest well, fellow ponderer.

Jess was one of my supervisors in 2009 and 2010 when I was a DCR park Ranger on Grape and Lovells Islands. She was kind, caring, supportive, and helped me to become a better educator.

My sweet girl… your wit, humor, and smile lit up our lives. From you singing, Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About to our family banging pots and pans to celebrate the New Year. Your spontaneous and fearless outlook on life will forever be remembered and your footprint forever in our hearts. Love you always… ❤️

It's been too long since I had connected with Jessica because I had moved to Utah in 2016, so I am shocked by the news. I loved that girl (she was more of a young woman when we worked together). 

She was energetic and had a wonderful energy about her that was contagious.

She loved the islands and was so passionate about her work. She challenged me to be creative and work harder. I just saw my Boston Harbor Islands Jacket today in the closet and thought fondly of her and the team. I can't believe just few hours later I heard the news.

My heart goes out to her family and to the DCR family as you grieve.

Jessica will be missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know her.

My sincere condolences.

Samantha Overton

Dear Jessica and Family,
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Jess and I spent our elementary years playing at each other’s houses day after day together. I remember Jess telling me she saw Santa and his reindeers flying over her house one night ( she had a skylight window above her bed) and she was so excited/nervous that she ended up getting sick in her bed! I’ve told my son this story over the years! I have vivid memories of playing tag in her amazing house and the backyard at night and also playing with her amazing inside garbage shoot! We’d put stuffed animals in it and pass them to each other. She introduced me to triskets and melted butter- so good! I will always cherish these memories. Thinking of every one who loved Jess. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jess has always brought a smile to my face. 
Years ago Jess and Keri were working summers in Martha's Vinyard.  They told me they were so proud of themselves,  they returned all the beer cans from the parties they had and got $100.00 dollars. 
I was proud of them as well.
Hmmm...thats 2000 cans...
It was more than a smile,sheer laughter. 
The only comfort I can retrieve from my broken heart is knowing God  has another angel in heaven.

We got to know Jessica when our daughter Tara became friends with her, Christine and Kerry  at St. Anthony’s High School. They became lifelong best friends!  They were beautiful girls who shared so many fun times. When Jess got sick they rallied around her and never ceased supporting her. Jess knew they loved her and she love them. 
Tara kept us informed of Jess’ progress and her vigilant fight to beat this disease.   She was always in our thoughts and prayers.   She is a peace now. 
We offer our condolences to Dan, her children, her siblings and her mom and dad. You all are in our prayers also. She was loved by so many and will truly be missed.   
Madeline and Bob Borland

Another beautiful picture of Jess with some of Tara’s bridal party in Newport.  Jess lit up a room with her smile and humor

Another beautiful picture of Jess and Christine from Tara’s pre wedding activities in Newport.   They were such good friends and my daughter was privileged to be part of it.

I always loved this picture of my daughter Tara, Jess and Kerry taken at Tara’s rehearsal dinner in Newport..  The joy of their friendship is so evident.

Dear Anne, Dan, Kathleen and Dan  

It is with a heavy heart that I’m writing this note today.  It’s taken a few days to gather myself to share with you my thoughts about Jess. Although I was not in her inner circle, we were  connected through my sister Patti who knew her before she came into this world, and she would share with me her most recent meeting. Whether it was here in California, on the phone, or when she was back east. I did meet her once when she came to Ventura. As I recall we had a conversation about the cell phone and how it has taken over  our relationships. It was humorous yet profound. That’s who Jess is, she was in touch with humanity. She loved, and cherished you, each and every one. Her journey has not been easy and letting go has been very moving. To lose a child is the greatest of all losses and memory is eternal. 
Our thoughts are with you at this time in deepest sympathy. 
Love, 
Pehgee and Kathleen 
💞🙏💞🕊️

June 2023- A Hockey Prince, Unicorn Princess, and Queen of the Quick Come-Back. Jess, we will always remember your witty and wonderful mothering. Rest now, in comfort and peace, and remain forever in our hearts. Love, Aunt Geri

As everyone knows Jessie could light up a room and have everyone laughing  and having a good time. She was always that way even as little girl.  She had a contagious laugh and eyes that wound twinkle as she stole the show.She helped create a lot of lovely memories for us all. Love you and will miss you my dear sweet niece and godchild.   Aunt Maryand Uncle Jim 💕

I am so sorry to hear this.  I can see Jessica in her St. Anthony’s uniform with her big smile with braces like it was yesterday.   Rest in Peace Jessica.

Dear Dan and family, 
Thank you for allowing me to care forJess these last few months. I pray that God supports you all through this journey of grief.
My deepest condolences. 

Sincerely,
Susan Brathwaite, RN, BSN, CWN, CDP, CIVN

My family connection to Jess, Dan, EJ and Ellie is peripheral but my sorry is deep nonetheless. I have followed Jess' battle and her courage since the beginning, routing from afar.  My heart is full for the family.
Tina Shaffer

With Deepest  condolences and sympathies to her family. Jess was a ray of sunshine.  She was strong, loving,  courageous , and a true warrior. May God  bless her. 
Love, Regina, Briana, Kiley & Gavin

I remember the energy and joy that Jess brought to our Thompson Island community the year she and Dan met. I’m so sorry for your loss. Colin & Krista

I loved having Jess at my home when she and Christine were young. She was always a bright light and made us all laugh with her impressions.
It is truly tremendously sad to have her taken at such a young age. I will miss you Jess😔

OBITUARY

Jessica L. Abar

August 13, 1980 – February 21, 2024

Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home

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