Jessy Theresa Sears

Jessy (Jessica) Theresa Sears, passed from her restrictions of this life to the glory of freedom, joy and able-bodiness on the morning of June 17th, 2025, surrounded in love by her family. Born too soon and too small, but with a personality that surpassed the confines of her wheelchair, Jess loved fiercely, spoke with conviction and was the manifestation of loyalty. She set her own timeline and did not allow her medical team to define her expectations, living a vibrant 51 years of life.
Born January 2nd, 1974, a raven-haired beauty and first daughter of William and Claudette Sears, she relished her role as Big Sister. Her life was not an easy one, and her pain and limitations would render a far less optimistic soul to live a much smaller and quieter life. But Jessy was not quiet, and her spirit was not small. We are convinced that the Lord knew exactly the strength of spirit it would take to live her path and gave her a fiery character and joy that burned as bright as the sun. She had the determination and backbone to lead a country or Fortune 500, a voice that could stop you mid-sentence, and a laugh you could hear from a floor away. But in this lifetime, her greatest pursuit and sole source of joy was love. To give it, receive it, be surrounded by it.
A Boss by nature, she took her roles within our family very seriously. As Sr VP of Family Relations (a position she took on after our Meme's passing) - she made sure every birthday was remembered and recognized, every sick person was attended to, and everyone knew they were loved. In a world that often defines us first by labels or classes, Jessy's eyes saw you only as a human and she loved as a human was meant to love - outside of definitions and with no need of reciprocity. She was a natural people gatherer and friend maker and found ways to do the things she loved when she had youth on her side. Whether managing a sports team in high school, participating in adaptive skiing, mountain climbing or horseback riding, going on movie dates, winning medals in the Special Olympics, or picketing for disability rights alongside her dear Aunt Marcy, she was no wallflower. She loved to take her electric wheelchair all over town, to visit her dad and the boys at the firehouse in Burlington, to cruise the mall looking for a new purse or keychain. There are a million "Jessy stories" out there - and they sure are fun to share!
As she aged, and settled as we all do, and her body's evolving restrictions caused her world to become smaller and her prized independence waned, a lesser person may succumb to melancholy or anger or disappointment in their circumstances. And while at first she may have felt this, Jessy's innate "Jessy-ness" always fought through. She found love and peace in her bestie and cousin Laura Zambarano and Laura's husband Matty, and a maternal instinct she showered on Laura's kids as their "Bonus Mom". She continued to check on her dad and make sure he was drinking his water, relished in the stories her sister would share of her twin nephew's escapades ("Oh Cammy and Coopy!") and her niece Livi's travels, always asked about Robby and his kids, kept tabs on Joey, and was beyond excited for the birth of Paul's first child. She was adored by and cared for by many over the years who stepped in when her parents were unable. Aunt Gail-Gail, who provided live-in care at one time and whom Jessy shared a special and deep bond. Laura, who served as her co-guardian, fierce advocate and best friend, and Aunt June (Mimi), who provided motherly guidance, support, direction and protection, fulfilling a promise she made to our mom. Her sister Drea, who was never afraid to approach the powers that be and make sure she had what she needed, Uncle Gil and Judd who provided special social outings, "Mama" Betsy, showering her with unconditional love and friendship, and finally Paul, who after 20 plus years of committed friendship became her Life Partner. She valued these relationships immensely as well as those with her many other special extended family members and friends who looked out for her and brought her lots of joy. It took a vast village and Jess cultivated it well.
On her last days earthside, the staff of her facility shed many tears as well and it was apparent to us that she never lost who she was - a people gatherer, a party maker, a joy spreader, a romantic, an advocate, a forgiver, a secret-spiller, a fighter, a memory keeper. In the ways that we often overlook but matter most, Jess was Highly Favored. We can only imagine the joyous sight at Heaven's Gates, when Jessy finally ran freely and unassisted into the open arms of her devoted Mom, Claudette. Her raven hair once again spilling down her back, her laugh echoing across the Kingdom.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday June 24, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. Inurnment will follow in the family lot in Holy Family Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jessy's memory may be made to https://www.vermontfamilynetwork.org/.