JESSICA RENEE GARZA
As for the life and legacy of Jessica, it would be impossible to put into words the magnitude of who she was in paragraph form; words just do not do her justice, but much can still be said to highlight some of the best pieces for us to take home and hold tight as her story… To know Jessie was to love her.
With heavy hearts we announce the passing away of beloved daughter-sister-aunt-friend, Jessica Renee Garza. Jessica was born July 29th, 1984, and lived with her mother, Sharon Garza, and sister, Elisa Garza, up until the day she passed in their childhood home in Lowell, MI. At the time of the death, Jessie was with her older sister, Anna Garza-Fegel, with whom she gained wings and joined into heaven alongside with. Previously, Jessie was very close to her little sister, Kristina Garza, who had already passed, as well as her dear grandmother Carole Fisher, deceased already, as well. We know both will be anticipated and greeted in heaven with open arms. We take comfort in knowing they will be so happy with this opportunity to now join those they loved and missed so much. Those who mourn her loss are her parents Sharon and Rodimiro Garza, sisters Marissa and Elisa Garza, and brother Joshua Garza.
As for the life and legacy of Jessica, it would be impossible to put into words the magnitude of who she was in paragraph form; words just do not do her justice, but much can still be said to highlight some of the best pieces for us to take home and hold tight as her story… To know Jessie was to love her. To be around her was to be in the presence of energy, warmth and endless love in the purest form. On this humanly earth, it is such a rare occurrence to meet someone more angel than human. Someone that radiated such affection for humanity, and as a result, danced among fondness and adoration easily earned from everyone around her, and so deservingly so. She was nothing short of magic and created such special bonds with her community and loved ones. During her time on this earth, she brilliantly formed friendships without hesitation and was appreciated as a much-needed lightheartedness that people don’t always get in their everyday life. To her, lightness and cheer came so easily; to her, that was life, making her the greatest gem one could have met. She was a prism of all the truest colors and emotions and enthusiasms one could exude. She taught people a different way to exist. That there is power in uniqueness, and that compassion is an essential and basic human gift for everyone to share- unconditionally and forever.
Endearingly, referred to as a “little big sister,” she brought to the table endless laughter, cheer, humor, and wit. While some people seek out to see the differences in people, which as those do exist, organically and soulfully, Jess Girl was all the better parts of a person one could be. Her impression on others will be hard to surpass, and for most, a once in a lifetime character. Lover of sunglasses, snoopy, stuffed animals, hats, children, concert t-shirts, Santa and his elves…..the list goes on and on. Her laugh was undeniably contagious, and any day of the week, her answer to life’s toughest moments would always be, “Just love them.” Despite cultural norms and perceptions of some, she was just as complete and whole as any other person, just gifted with the embodiment of living life with the heart of a child every single day. Life was significantly more effortless for her, as the important details many others take for granted, she resonated and rejoiced in. Her mother, Sharon, would reminisce over the many moments Jessie would ask her the same question, “Would she catch her if ever she were to fall?” Met with the same unwavering love and support the family has often resonated and shown, Sharons answer would always be, “Yes.” It goes without saying, even though Jessie will be missed, she never questioned how much she was loved by so many, and that she lived a life of pure joy, not skipping a beat when it came to choosing happiness.
In other moments, Jessie’s story would be one of loving her hometown, eagerly waiting on the next social event, or dancing in the kitchen to her favorite songs adorned in only the best slippers and pajamas- no special occasion needed. Of all the moments, the most notable and prominent would be all the times she pulled her loved ones in for a hug, albeit sometimes unsolicited; her hugs were sincere, captivating and uplifting. Jessie’s social charm was untamable, her love for animals uninhibited, and her passion for children eternal. Jessie played an unequivocal role in the lives of her nieces and nephews- Isabelle, Maxxon, Cohen, Sebastian, and particularly, Piper Kristina, who would always claim Jessie to be her best friend. Aside of loving their aunt very much, the children collectively would embrace, support, include, defend and protect her in every aspect of life. Everyone would agree, the entire family, especially the children, benefited and were better people for having her in their lives. She truly was the rarest blessing, a treasure. She will remain an inspiration, always and forever, to others to continue to intentionally embrace life with such fervor and excitement, and no matter what, choose the path of love, friendship, and staying true to yourself. The family will be hosting a celebration of lives for both the sisters, Anna and Jessica, the evening of January 19th, from 6:30 to 9:30, at the Greenhouse in the downtown Grand Rapids Market. The family is looking forward to this gathering and opportunity to come together, and share with all, the memories and the everlasting loving legacy both these ladies leave.
