Jessica Sallustio

On July 23rd, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family in Gainesville, Florida, Jessica Sallustio passed away at the age of 37 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. While her journey ended far too soon, her vibrant spirit and lasting impact live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born in Palm Beach County, Florida, Jessica grew up with a fierce sense of independence and creativity. That energy-often captured in her childhood declarations of "I do it!"-evolved into a career and a life full of imagination, depth, and connection.

Jessica was a gifted designer with a passion that spanned from printed media to digital experience. After graduating from Buchholz High School and studying digital media technology at Santa Fe College and Graphic Design at Savannah College of Art and Design, she pursued a career that blended technology, aesthetics, and empathy. Her work earned local and regional recognition, and she held roles of increasing responsibility at Renaissance Printing, Frankel Media Group, and Love & Company. She also shared her talents as an adjunct professor at Santa Fe College and as Programming Director for the Gainesville AIGA chapter. She left behind more than a portfolio-she left behind ideas, mentorship, and tools that others still use today.

In May 2022, Jessica married her soulmate Michael in a small, joyful beach ceremony that effortlessly reflected her love of thoughtful design and geeky charm. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and holiday magic. Jessica had a particular fondness for Halloween and Christmas, art shows and craft fairs, and decorating with flair. She collected pins and ornaments from her travels, taught with enthusiasm, and found joy in making her home a space of warmth and creativity-even if she preferred designing it to actually painting it.

She was a loving mother to Hayden, a cherished daughter, sister, and friend. Her pets Marmaduke and Neko were constant companions, just two more pieces of the family tapestry she so lovingly stitched together. Jessica's friendships endured through education and career, sustained by her openness, quick wit, and generous spirit.

Jessica's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the care teams at UF Health Shands and the Mayo Clinic, especially the Shands MICU staff and Dr. Majeed's Oncology team, for their compassion, support, and the hope that they gave us.

To honor her life and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hayden's 529 education fund (gift.my529.org/HEIX4N), or to liver cancer research through Mayo Clinic, UF Health, or the American Cancer Society.

Jessica's story is not defined by her passing, but by the joy, color, and meaning she brought to the world. Her legacy is etched into every memory, every design, and every heart she touched.