Jessica Ann Mullen

1982 - 2018

Jessica Ann Mullen of Vernon, CT, passed away August 7, 2018. The daughter of Robert K. Mullen and Julie A. (Cross) Mullen, she was born in Burlington, VT on September 10, 1982. A longtime resident of Vernon, CT, she graduated from Rockville High School in 2000 finishing in the top 10% of her class, and was a 2-time member of the National Honor Society. Jessica was a stellar athlete lettering in softball, volleyball, indoor track, and cheerleading and was named to numerous academic all-conference teams in addition to being All-State in volleyball in 2000. As a youth, Jessica achieved a high level of success in gymnastics, and skated for a local youth hockey club for one season. Outside of sports, Jessica had a love for dance with training in both tap and classical ballet, and was Homecoming Queen and Queen of the Senior Prom at Rockville High School. She attended the University of Connecticut and excelled as a student receiving a Fine Arts Talent Scholarship. While at UConn, Jessica continued with her athletics playing 3 years for Huskies Women's Club Volleyball team. Jessica was an accomplished artist and was featured in juried art exhibits in both Massachusetts and Connecticut including the prestigious Nor'Easter Annual Juried Exhibition at the New Britain Museum of American Art. In 2013, Jessica was named Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut Medical Rehabilitation Patient of the Year, having undergone retraining after suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2011. She is survived by her mother Julie A. (Cross) Mullen and father Robert K. Mullen of Vernon, CT; her brother James F. Mullen of Vernon, CT; her brother John P. Mullen of Concord, NH, his wife Keyla R. (Heisson) Mullen and their children Nathaniel, Ayva, and Grace; her grandparents Jean L. Mullen of Manchester, CT and William G. and Gayle B. Cross of Colchester, VT. She is predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Joseph L. Mullen formerly of Manchester, CT. She leaves behind her many friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles whom she grew up with. They, along with her treasured nieces and nephew, will miss her infectious smile and joyful laughter. She was thoughtful, passionate, and loved deeply. She was a beautiful person and is a magnificent soul. She will be sorely missed. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., Hartford on Monday (Aug. 13) from 3:00-7:00pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Tuesday (Aug. 14) at 10:00am in the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave., Hartford. All are kindly asked to meet directly at church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut, 100 Deerfield Road, Windsor, CT 06095. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.