Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Vanessa Wolff Obituary
Now her family is mourning her death.
"Vanessa planned all of it," said her mother, Charlsey Wolff, of the May ceremony. "She had a binder. She did it all, down to the flowers, down to the photographers and disc jockey." Wolff and her friend Jessica Boumans, 23, were killed around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, just a few minutes from home, when another driver sped through a red light at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Palmetto Park Road and crashed into Boumans' black Mercedes.
Wolff, originally from Metairie, La., and Boumans, from New Jersey, died at the scene. Two other women in the car were injured. Leila Storey, 24, of Orlando, suffered a broken leg and minor injuries and Paula Coccia, 23, of Pennsylvania, sustained a shattered pelvis and broken neck. Coccia was in serious condition at Delray Medical Center Sunday afternoon.
Police arrested Edwin Perez, 31, of Boca Raton, hours after the crash. Perez told investigators he ran through the red light in his red Ford Explorer, thinking the signal was for other lanes of traffic, then tried to brake at the last minute, according to a police report.
He also admitted to sharing two pitchers of beer with a friend that night at a local bar, and police said he smelled of alcohol. Neither Perez nor his passenger, Patrick Shelton, reported injuries from the crash.
Perez, who works at a local Wal-Mart, appeared before a judge Sunday morning on charges including DUI manslaughter, reckless driving and killing a fetus. He was held at the county jail on $50,000 bond.
Records show Perez has been charged with DUI before, and has several other traffic violations.
A teacher's assistant at a private school, Wolff enjoyed yoga, the beach and exercising, said her mother. She earned a psychology degree in 2005 from Lynn University. She and Boumans were college roommates, and Boumans was to be bridesmaid in Wolff's wedding.
Memories and Condolences
for Vanessa Wolff
Sponsored by the Family of Vanessa Lauren Wolff.
203 Entries
Freya Lumsden
May 29, 2021
I have never met Vanessa, I am Ross’s niece, I was born in 2009. I had just got told about Vanessa, she would’ve been an amazing auntie. Although I’ve never met her, I will still miss her. Fly high Vanessa Wolff.
Freya
May 28, 2021
Vanessa would’ve been my auntie.
Rita Masterson
February 21, 2018
Dear Wolff family, I was just sending a Valentine's day message to my sister and it occurred to me that through all of the craziness I never sent you a message of condolences. I am truly sorry for that. I hope that you have found some peace over the years. Some comfort . Jessica's father passed away on April, so it's nice to think that maybe they are together. I just wanted you to know that every so often i look at Vanessa's pictures and think of her. And think of you. And wish so desperately that things could have been so very different for our girls. They are always in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Jessica's sister, Rita Masterson
Amy Alvarez
October 23, 2015
Dear Bennett and family,
Thinking of you this time of year.
All my best,
Amy Alvarez
Amy Alvarez
October 21, 2014
Dear Bennett and family - thinking of you today -
Amy Alvarez
Amy Alvarez
October 22, 2013
Bennett and family - thinking of you at this difficult time of the year, and always.
Amy Alvarez
October 24, 2012
Dear Bennett and family, sending love and prayers your way, this time of year and always.
February 7, 2012
Hey Vanessa,
Sorry it has been such a long time. I miss you and love you so much. I want you to know that the scholarship is doing well. Angela is truly a visionary. Since 2008 we have been holding different fundraisers all over New Orleans and have been able to reach our endowment goal of $20,000.
Of course we will be moving forward with making the endowment larger so it can live on for many, many years to come.
This year we are planing for what will hopefully be our biggest event yet. We will try and pull off a movie night in Cabrini's court yard. There are so many things I dream of how the night will be... A clear beautiful night with lots of stars, clusters of families and friends with their chairs and blankets, and a nice little breeze to lighten the night with ease.
xoxo,
Jenna
Amy Alvarez
October 22, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family today, and always.
October 21, 2011
Your smile was always so contagious. Remembering all the fun times we had together. xoxo
October 21, 2011
Loving you and missing you, still. x x x
January 14, 2011
Still missing you! Happy Birthday!
Amy Alvarez
October 21, 2010
Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family...
October 21, 2010
We treasure the beautiful memories,we keep you in our hearts,never to be forgotten.
October 20, 2010
Four years Oct. 21 still miss you Love you always
January 14, 2010
Happy Birthday! Still missing you!
Amy Musgrove-Coons
January 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Vanessa.
January 14, 2010
Happy Birthday it would have been your 27th birthday! LOVE YOU MISS YOU!
Gina
Kate
November 4, 2009
Oh Vanessa. I just NOW heard the news from Tyler. I am so sorry to hear how........ my God. Vanessa, thank you for being one of the first friends I had at Lynn University and If I saw your spirit now I would hug it and hug it and hug it.
Loving you ever so deeply. Just loving you. and still so sad at the moment.
Nicole
November 4, 2009
I am sad i just heard the news. I will always remember you as smiling and giving. Miss you.
October 22, 2009
Three years have gone..still love you and miss you my beautiful Vanessa
October 21, 2009
Still missing you...
October 21, 2009
You touched the lives of many at Summit, and you will always be remembered. Love, Miss Jo
October 20, 2009
I know you continue to look over me and my children. In our short time together you reminded to always make decisions that will satisfy my heart to make me happy. It's such a simple concept that you grasped at such a young age. Thank you for your wisdom and your friendship. I miss you. ANGELA
October 19, 2009
So many things in my life result in thoughts of you Vanessa...I miss you being here and love you always xxxx
Brittney
August 26, 2009
I miss u
Joey Goldstein
April 23, 2009
I can't belive this, I just found out last night and can't stop thinkking of all the fun we had shopping
January 14, 2009
Thinking of you, today and everyday...
January 14, 2009
Happy Birthday....
January 1, 2009
January 1, 2009.....miss you
Gina
December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas our beautiful Vanessa, peace, light and tranquility...We love you always
December 21, 2008
We remember you always and love you forever.
Brittney Licciardi
November 30, 2008
Vanessa, There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. So many memories and so many laughters. It's still hard for me to believe that you are gone. The other night I had a dream of you and you hugged me and told me that you are going to be fine and then I woke up.. it hurts my heart to know that you are away from us, but I know you are in a better place. God could not have picked a better person. Your smile is one that I will never forget. I miss you!
November 21, 2008
....you are always on my mind...miss you, love you
October 22, 2008
We miss you so much, love you forever and for always......
Boca raton Fl
October 21, 2008
I think about you everyday and will never forget you. I miss you!
October 21, 2008
I miss you! The world was a brighter place with you in it. I Love you!
October 21, 2008
Remembering you today. I know you are smiling down on us. I miss you.
October 21, 2008
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you!
September 21, 2008
We love you always and forever
Angela Clark
September 16, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with all family and friends of Vanessa. She had a great personality and an amazing smile, that never went away. She is greatly missed.
Jenna Shorts
September 9, 2008
I am always thinking of you. xoxoxox Jenna
Gina
July 24, 2008
Vanessa miss you, love you always and forever.
Angela Carsrud
July 15, 2008
Vanessa, Thank you for looking over me and helping me through a difficult time. You help me to see things clearly and how to be patient and faithful. I love you always.
June 21, 2008
Not a day passes that we don't think of you Vanessa. We miss you, we love you....always
Boca Raton, FL
June 8, 2008
www.vanessawolff.com
We miss you!!!
April 21, 2008
Love you! Miss you! You're in my thoughts always x
April 4, 2008
Vanessa, I miss you so much, your laughter, your smile, your love of life, and all that was you.
I love you
March 30, 2008
Vanessa-I just wanted to let you know how often you are in my thoughts. Rest in peace, I miss you.
March 24, 2008
Love you, miss you. May you be forever in peace. xxxx
January 14, 2008
Your laughter and joy of life will be remembered always!
December 21, 2007
We love you Vanessa, and miss you!
December 4, 2007
Happy Hanukkah!
November 11, 2007
Vanessa we miss sooooooo much. If we could turn back time...
November 2, 2007
I wish I could see you one more time... I MISS YOU!!!
October 21, 2007
Everday I think of you and the time we had together. You made my life special, worthwhile and full of possibilities.
The answer to why you were here for such a short time will never be found.
I will love you always.
October 7, 2007
ON THIS DAY WE REMEMBER YOU AND THE THINGS WE USE TO DO...
WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER AC/GC
BOYTON/BOCA FL
Monique Mattingly
August 8, 2007
I went to McGehee with Vanessa. She was one of my favorite people! My prayers go out to her family.
May 29, 2007
Vanessa no matter how much time passes we think about you everyday, we love you and miss you...You are an angel watching over us. You are our helping guiding spirit always full of love, always kind,
Ross Lumsden
March 24, 2007
I miss you Nes, I Love you now and always. You will forever be in my heart and soul. I will forever cherish this day when we looked into each others eyes and knew we were one.
Chris and Mac Lumsden
March 23, 2007
A year ago, Ross asked Vanessa to marry him, we were delighted and so blessed to have Vanessa in our lives, sadly it would be for such a short time...They are both in our hearts and minds every day, the pain of losing Vanessa will never leave us....we were touched by an angel...
February 26, 2007
Four months have gone by...We think of you everyday...we love you we miss you
Darren Carter
November 25, 2006
To Ross and the Family of Vanessa Wolff...Vanessa was a truly vibrant spirit and had an incredible presence about her. She was a ray of light and I know that she will be sorely missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you all...God Bless!
Vanessa & Ross - Roman Wall, Northumberland England June 6, 2006.
November 24, 2006
Vanessa & Ross - Lumley Castle, England June 5, 2006.
November 24, 2006
Vanessa - On top of the Castle Keep Newcastle, England June 7, 2006.
November 24, 2006
Vanessa & Ross - Durham Cathedral, England June 5, 2006.
November 24, 2006
Vanessa & Ross - Todd & Gemma wedding England June 3, 2006.
November 24, 2006
Vanessa & Ross - Durham, England June 5, 2006
November 24, 2006
Mark Lee
November 21, 2006
Ross - Cant really find any words to write how we both feel. Our prayers go out to both families .Be strong mate. Love Mark and Marianne (Perth, Australia)
Gina Cabadaidis
November 15, 2006
Sometimes we are blessed by experiences and people that seem to defy logic, Vanessa was just one of those people. She walked into our lives that day in August 2005 at Summit Private School, and our lives were forever changed. We were and have been touched by a heavenly being whose selflessness, generosity, kindness, and love will illuminate over us forever.
With much love and peace,
Gina Cabadaidis
Rebecca Kolb
November 14, 2006
I can not put in words how wonderful Vanessa really was. Vanessa was the most caring, good hearted person I ever knew. There are very few truly good friends you have in a life time and I am privileged to say that Vanessa was mine. A friend you have for a life time that you know will always be there. Even though Vanessa’s life was short, I will always have her encouraging words and positive outlook on life distilled in me forever. The spirit of Vanessa will always be here, she will never be forgotten and the impact she had on me will never fade. She truly made me a better person in so many ways. I will miss her everyday. Thank you, Charlsey and Bennett for raising such and outstanding soul. Ross, have strength Vanessa would want you to be happy.
Barbara Andertson, SR
November 12, 2006
I am Barbara Anderson-Leaf's mother in Olympia, WA. Barb just found out about your daughter today and let me know. You have been so diligent and so kind and understanding to Barb and Peter with their difficult custody case and I just wanted to add my expression of sympathy for your great loss. Children are not supposed to die before their parents and I can only imagine your grief. God has another angel. Barb Anderson, Sr.
Peter & Barbarfa Leaf
November 12, 2006
Bennett, you worked so tirelessly on behalf of our daughter, we grieve with you on the loss of yours. You and Charlsey will be in our prayers.
Vanessa Michele
November 7, 2006
Vanessa was clearly a very special woman. She was so good to my son, who was in her class last year, and he was (is, actually, still)completely in love with her. Perhaps partially because I know how floored he'd be if he were old enough to explain this to, and of course because Vanessa's kindness, vibrance, beauty and intelligence were so very obvious and precious, I was unusually devastated to hear of this tragedy, and I am writing to express my deepest condolences to those who were close to Vanessa. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Joy Peterson
November 6, 2006
Vanessa and I were inseparable in middle school. She has a special place in my heart. My thoughts go out to her parents, David, and her fiancé. She will truly be missed. RIP.
Vanessa in NYC after watching Mamma Mia
November 4, 2006
Vanessa in San Francisco after walking Lombard Street
November 4, 2006
mary Lou Robinson
November 3, 2006
Bennett, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Lou Robinson
Stacy Block
November 3, 2006
I just would like to express my condolence to u at this time. Vanessa was a wonderful person and to this day I feel very blessed and lucky enough to have known her threw out college at Lynn!
Natalie Venneri
November 2, 2006
Although I did not know Vanessa personally, I know Ross. Knowing him means that she must have been the most amazing, special, warm-hearted, fun and beautiful woman. My prayers are with her family, friends and Ross.
Andy Hirst
November 1, 2006
Vanessa, enjoy eternal peace!
Love
Andy xx
Jim Taylor
November 1, 2006
Charlsey, So sorry to hear of the tragic loss of Vanessa. I can't think of anything worse for a parent to endure. I will be praying for you. Jim
Gwyn, Mark, Christopher, Kimberly Helton
October 30, 2006
Bennett, Charlsey and David, We are stunned and heartbroken for you over the loss of your daughter Vanessa. We remember her well supporting her brother at tumbling meets. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Katie Schmidt
October 30, 2006
One of the last times I had talked to Vanessa is a time I will never forget, she was there for me with loving and supportive thoughts which really helped me through a hard time. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was touched by Vanessa.
Jennifer & Michael Kern
October 29, 2006
"In the quiet moments when the hurt is to much to bear, May love become your shelter and may the beauty of precious memories be your comfort." You are held in gentle thoughts and prayers...
Cheryl Buchert
October 29, 2006
Dear Charlsey, Bennett, David, and Ross: I am so sorry about Vanessa. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was in California at Stanford University for a law school event on Friday and could not make the services. Cheryl Buchert
Rachel Levkowicz
October 29, 2006
I shared some truly great memories in middle school with Vanessa. She always radiated happiness. I'm so sorry that such a great, young person is gone. My prayers go out to her family, fiance, and friends.
Kelli Scheuermann
October 29, 2006
Although I did not know Vanessa very well, I am deeply saddened by the news of her passing. I went to Cabrini with her and she was a freshman when I was in 8th grade and I can remember seeing her walking through the halls with a smile on her face all the time. Her family and fiance' are in my thoughts and prayers.
Alan, Lesley, Mark, Chris Rayson
October 29, 2006
As friends of Ross and his family, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Vanessa. It has shocked us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families at this sad time. Vanessa will be missed by everyone that knew her. Stay strong Ross, we are all here for you back in the UK.
Peter Maneos
October 28, 2006
Vanessa, it was a true pleasure getting to know you. You lit up a room with your ever-present smile and your buoyant spirit. I always had a good time when we hung out, and will never forget those times. May God be with you.
Jennifer August
October 28, 2006
My name is Jennifer and I am a friend of Tom Davies. I've never met Vanessa, but am truly saddened by the horrible loss to both of her her families and her friends. I wish you peace and serenity during this difficult time. Shalom.
October 27, 2006
Vanessa - you're GREEN EYES light up the sky as you look down upon us, keeping us safe and warming our soul.
Cheers to Ross and the Cold Play song that honors your bride-to- be...
Sarah Steib (Balanesi)
October 27, 2006
Vanessa always stood out to me as the girl I would want to be like.She was a sophmore when I was a freshman at Cabrini and she was always so sweet and upbeat no matter what.We were both on the Cabrini swim team and I remember her even being energetic at 5am and that rarely happens!To her parents , Just know what a wonderful person she was and that she touched the lives of many.
Megan Giroir
October 27, 2006
I went to Cabrini with Vanessa and I knew Charsley from the Salon. I am so sorry to hear about Vanessa, she was and still is a wonderful person. She will be missed. Just know that she is looking down on all of us now.
Cameron Fowler
October 27, 2006
As a friend of Ross Lumsdens i only met Vanessa a couple of times.But i would like to say my thoughts and prayers are both with Ross and Vanessas family . X
Brenda Reilly
October 27, 2006
Charlsey and Bennett, words cannot express the deep sympathy I have for your loss. I pray that God, family and friends will help you to find the strength to make it trough this time of sorrow. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything.
Kevin and Cathy Cutress
October 27, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Lani (Ramhofer) Fast
October 27, 2006
I attended McGehee School with Vanessa in our younger years. Hearing this news has brought great sadness to me. She will be remembered always. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. May your memories of Vanessa bring you comfort.
Showing 1 - 100 of 203 results
Make a Donation
in Vanessa Wolff's name
How to support Vanessa's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Vanessa Wolff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more