Jessica Ann Ancheta left this world on January 28, 2024. Her lovely soul came into this world on March 1st, 1973, on the island of Oahu, to Gordon and Brenda Ancheta. She proved to be as sweet as the cane that sprung from the verdant isle in the middle of the mighty Pacific.
The little family left Hawaii to seek more opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. Growing up, Jessica roamed through the fields & forests, making friends, and learned to ride horses bareback. It was a wonder to see the small child scamper up an animal five times her height! Her precocious brother Ethan soon arrived, and the family was complete. She attended Irene Riether Elementary, Fairhaven Middle School, & Sehome High School. Jessica was outgoing & mischievous, and found herself surrounded by friends whom she would know her whole life long.
She moved to Seattle and attended Seattle Central Community College, and later found work at Phinney Ridge Animal Hospital, where she served for over 25 years. She took her place at the center of a bustling community of fellow animal lovers whom she impressed with her passion, empathy, & lively conversations. In short order she was taking care of innumerable cats & dogs while their owners were away, or unable to do so themselves.
She moved to Magnolia where she bought a charming little condo near Discovery Park in 2008. In 2010 she met Paul Barrett. From their first date at the Ballard Farmers Market, the two were inseparable, and in May of 2012 she gave birth to a delightful baby girl, Calliope Belle Barrett, to whom she was fervently devoted.
Her love of animals was a defining characteristic of her life. She surrounded herself with them not just at work, but at home, where she rescued scores of cherished cats & dogs, taking in the hard luck cases that no one else wanted, saving & finding homes for countless strays, and helping lost animals find their way back home. Her remarkable compassion earned her the nickname of “Saint Jessica” among friends & clients.
Jessica is survived by her parents, Gordon & Brenda Ancheta, her daughter Calliope Barrett, Grandmother Fidela Mowbray, & partner Paul Barrett, as well as a multitude of extended family, friends and pets.
Jessica, we are devastated that you have left us, but overjoyed to have shared this life with you. May you be reunited with your brother Ethan and all of your Ohana who departed this world before you, as well as the legion of fuzzy friends you dedicated yourself to, and who adored you in return. A Hui Hou! Until we meet again.
Jessica's funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Address: 1110 - 14th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:00 am.
Reception to follow at 12:00 pm in the Parish Hall after the service.
Jessica will be laid to rest at Bayview Cemetery (1420 Woburn Street, Bellingham WA 98229) at 2:30 pm following the reception.
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