Jessica Rose Craven Consoli

Jessica Rose Consoli (née Craven), beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, and educator, passed away surrounded by love. She leaves behind her husband of more than five decades, John Consoli, and their children: Rachael, Tess, David, Paul, Thomas, William, and Edward. She is also survived by her aunt, Ann Serra; her sister, Antonette Dennis; her brothers, John, David, and Daniel Craven; and her nine grandchildren.
Born and raised in Revere, Jessica grew up with an insatiable curiosity and a deep love of learning. She completed her bachelor’s degree in just three years before beginning her career with Revere Public Schools, where she shaped young minds with her warmth, humor, and steadfast belief in every child’s potential. Her kindness extended beyond the school, helping so many families in the community. She loved to laugh and took genuine joy in a good joke.
A born adventurer, Jessica’s world opened during a study trip to Africa, sparking a lifelong passion for travel and cultural exchange. After marrying John on Valentine’s Day in 1970 and settling in Melrose in 1972, she brought that spirit home by welcoming many international students and newly arrived families into her home.
In the late 1980s, Jessica helped establish Mission Possible, a program dedicated to improving access to healthcare in rural areas of the Dominican Republic. She led youth groups and nursing students from the University of Maine on trips there, inspiring curiosity, compassion, and global understanding in everyone who traveled with her. She created Project PX with her sister Antonette and her son Edward, building schools, clinics, and orphanages, and providing scholarships to young women in India, Sudan, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and Ukraine. She also organized food donations for My Brother’s Table in Lynn and brought people together with her warmth and energy, especially at her lively Arise meetings.
A lifelong learner, Jessica earned two master’s degrees and took countless courses simply for the joy of expanding her world. She was an amateur archaeologist, participating in digs and cave hunts. Her boundless curiosity and openness to everyone she met shaped a life rich in connection and purpose.
Her giving spirit extended beyond her lifetime. In keeping with her lifelong commitment to helping others, Jessica donated her corneas and skin to living recipients. Ever the educator, she also chose to donate her body to Harvard Medical School, ensuring that she would continue teaching and contributing to the advancement of knowledge even after her death.
Jessica’s life was defined by generosity, humor, and a fearless embrace of new experiences. She shared her time, her talents, and her heart freely. Her legacy lives on in the lives she enriched, the laughter she sparked, and the many kindnesses she offered without hesitation.
Her Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on March 19th at St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish in Melrose, Massachusetts.