Jessie Reap

Jessie Reap, 20, of the Green Ridge section of Scranton, died early Saturday at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born in Scranton, Jessie was the daughter of Kathleen Kanavy Reap and the late Kevin Reap. She was a 2008 graduate of Scranton High School, where she was the editor of the school newspaper and yearbook. She was a junior at Penn State University, studying secondary English education. Jessie was a volunteer at the Green Ridge Little League and the Ronald McDonald House and an active participant in all family activities at Robert Morris Elementary School, most especially "Field Day." Jessie and the late Gov. Robert P. Casey, himself a transplant recipient, became the faces of the NEPA Coalition of Organ Donation. In 1997, at the age of 7, Jessie underwent a heart transplant. At that time, because it was so rare for a child to undergo a heart transplant, Jessie's story captured the area's attention and was voted among The Scranton Times and Tribune's top stories of 1997. In death, Jessie was an organ and tissue donor through the Gift of Life.

Jessie, even in the face of great adversity, showed a tremendous amount of grace and courage at such a young age. She was an inspiration to all those who knew and loved her. Her quick wit, dry sense of humor and determined optimism brought comfort to all those around her. She was of the Catholic faith. Jessie was adored by all of the neighborhood children. She became a big sister to all the kids, entertaining them for hours by hosting movie and swim nights in her backyard, babysitting them and driving them to the local ice cream shop. She was a friend and confidante to all "her kids," watching over them, lending a hand with homework, offering advice and always being there whenever they needed her. The kids in the neighborhood always flocked to the Reap house to spend time with their beloved Jessie. Jessie was her mother's best friend and was like a second mother to her brother, Colin. Jessie spent countless hours watching after Colin and caring for him. She was dedicated to keeping her late father's treasured memory alive for Colin. Everyone who was blessed to spend time with the Reap family was touched by the extraordinary bond between Kathleen, Jessie and Colin. An avid reader, Jessie preferred to spend time at home with her family and friends, watching movies and reading novels.

A benefit to raise money for a second heart transplant for Jessie had been planned for Sunday, Nov. 7, the day before what would have been Jessie's 21st birthday. Jessie was an active member of the benefit's planning committee, working side-by-side with family and friends preparing for the event. Jessie's family and friends have decided the event will go on, with contributions to help defray the medical and living expenses incurred and to help support Jessie's family. This fundraiser will be held at Holy Rosary Hall from 1 to 5 p.m.

Also surviving are a brother, Colin, Scranton; paternal grandparents, James and Ann Reap, Scranton; her boyfriend, Dave Atkinson, who was the love of her life; aunts and uncles, including her great-uncle and friend, Jim Coleman; her best friend, who was always there for her, Baylee Saunders; cousins and numerous friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Grace Ann; a brother, Kevin Patrick Jr.; and maternal grandparents, Charles and Marlene Kanavy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton. Those attending the funeral should go directly to the church. Friends may call Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m., in the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jessie and Colin Reap Heart Transplant Fund, c/o Penn Security Bank, North Washington Avenue and Spruce Street, Scranton.