Jessica Mateo Baldoz

Jessica Mateo Baldoz was born on January 16, 1998, in Chesapeake, Virginia, a place she would always call home. The daughter of Samuel Baldoz of the Philippines and Ofelia Baldoz of Chesapeake, Jessica grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and a deep-rooted sense of family. Her vibrant personality and radiant smile brought joy to everyone she met, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
A proud 2017 graduate of Indian River High School, Jessica was known for her fierce independence, boundless energy, and contagious sense of humor. She had the rare gift of finding the light-heartedness in nearly every situation, even during many of life's toughest challenges. Her willpower was matched only by her deep compassion for others, and she made fast friends in every corner of the world she found herself in as she grew into a young woman.
Jessica had many passions, but few were as prominent as her love of cooking. She delighted in preparing meals for her family and friends - often sneaking bites along the way - and found joy in sharing her culinary creations with those she loved. In addition to her culinary prowess, Jessica often found enjoyment in music. She loved to drive around town with her windows down singing along to any number of pop, rap or country tracks, seeking to experience as much happiness and comfort as possible in her wide array of music tastes.
Important to Jessica as well was self-care, which she sought not out of vanity or pride, but as a way to present the best version of herself to the world. She never missed any appointments with her aunt, Teresa Duncan, always stepping out of the salon with a fresh set of nails and a heightened level of style and confidence.
Jessica's deep love for her family extended far beyond her immediate household. She was cherished by her aunts and uncles: Lolet and Mike Spiegel of Chesapeake, Teresa and Gary Duncan of Chesapeake, and Nieves Rufino, Matt Mateo, and Arnel Mateo of the Philippines; and by her cousins Arthur and Matthew Duncan of Chesapeake, Robert Spiegel of Virginia Beach, and Jennifer Spiegel of England.
Beyond the large community she had in her corner, one of Jessica's most constant companions in recent years was her beloved dog, Oxford - a playful pit/lab mix who brought her daily happiness, laughter, and unconditional love. To Jessica, Oxford wasn't just a pet, but like her child, and the genuine love she had for him was evident in her effortless care towards all of his needs.
She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Damaso and Anastacia Mateo and Maximo and Leonilan Baldoz, whose memories she carried with her always as she found herself in this world.
Jessica lived vivaciously, loved deeply, and laughed loudly. She had a way of brightening every room she entered and making those around her feel seen, heard, and loved. Though her time with us was far too short, the light she brought into the world will continue to shine on in those who were lucky enough to have known her.
She will be deeply missed - as a daughter, a niece, a cousin, a friend, a mother to Oxford, and as a beautiful soul who did her absolute best to make the most out of life.
A celebration of Jessica's life will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations. The family asks that those celebrating Jessica wear bright, vivid clothing in honor of her.
To honor Jessica, please consider making a donation to Samaritan House of Virginia, to help those leaving violent situations, or to the Chesapeake Animal Services Unit, to help other dogs be taken care of while waiting for their furr-ever homes.