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Jessica Kennedy-Matthews Obituary
October 10, 1975 - August 28, 2023
Our sweet Jessica passed away on August 28, 2023, in Dublin, Ireland, with her beloved husband, Scott, by her side. Jess and Scott were nearing the end of a wonderful road trip through Ireland when Jess suddenly fell ill and later died in a Dublin hospital.
Jess burst on the scene on October 10, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she lived most of her life. She attended Lincoln Southeast and UN-L, where she earned a BA in Journalism and an MBA. At the time of her death, Jess was working on a doctorate at Creighton University.
Jess was one of the world's bright lights. She knew everybody and everybody's cousin -- and if she didn't know you, she'd strike up a conversation and within five minutes, find something or someone you had in common. She had so many deep, abiding relationships. She volunteered with countless organizations, political causes, and charities, giving each one the benefit of her energy, her talents, and her opinions -- of which she had many. She had a laugh that could fill a concert hall and a heart that tried to hold the whole world in its embrace.
Jess worked at several places throughout her career: Shopko (part-time through college); the UN-L Alumni Association; Kenexa; Sheldon Art Gallery; the Lincoln Journal-Star; National Research Corporation; and Gallup.
Jess met the love of her life, Scott Matthews, in 2018. They married on New Year's Eve 2019 in a shower of fireworks. She and Scott moved to their beautiful lake house in 2020 and proceeded to open their doors to family and friends from around the world. Their hospitality and their lovely art collection are legendary.
In addition to Scott, Jess is survived by her son, Jayden; and stepsons, Joshua and Jeremy; her parents, Therese and Rich Bollerup; her brother, Joe Bollerup, and his son, Ayden; her sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Austin Kelley, and her beloved nephews, Danny and Richie; her uncles and aunts, Bob and Linda Burke, Tom and Judy Burke, Bill and Kate Burke, Jean Burke, Gary Kennedy, Mark Kennedy, and Lynn Kennedy; numerous cousins; lifelong friends, Lex Morrison and Lisa Knoche; and an army of loved ones, friends, and close acquaintances. She is predeceased by her birth father, Dale Kennedy; grandparents, Neal and Eileen Kennedy; and grandparents, Bob and Bernadette Burke.
The date of Jess's Celebration of Life is pending, but will happen in the near future.
Memorials in Jess's honor may be sent to the Food Bank for the Heartland; Girls, Inc.; Siena Francis House; or another charitable organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jessica Kennedy-Matthews
Dwight Swift
September 10, 2023
Anything I could write or say seems so small compared to the size of your loss. Jess was one of those rare people who brighten the lives of everyone around her. To have known her, even for just a moment, was a blessing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Therese Bollerup
September 8, 2023
Friends and family who are unable to attend Jessica´s celebration of life in person are invited to livestream the service portion of the celebration by using the link below. Please note the starting time is 2:30 p.m. Central.
Scott Conference is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Jessica Kennedy Matthews Celebration of Life
Time: Sep 10, 2023 02:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85374668987?pwd=dVYreEMwbVViQWRPclpQYUlIOVVqQT09
Meeting ID: 853 7466 8987
Passcode: 649473
Elisha Stone
September 5, 2023
To Scott and Jess' Family,
Words can't express how heartbroken I am for you all. I wish there was more I could say or do to ease the pain you are all going through. What I can do for sure is pray. I pray that God would comfort you, that you feel His grace surrounding you, that you know He is near to the brokenhearted.
In His love and mine,
Elisha Stone
Annonymous
September 5, 2023
To Therese, you don't know me, and I didn't know Jessica; however, I'd like to compliment you on your outstanding, beautiful description of so many wonderful qualities of your precious daughter. These reminded me so much of my own daughter, who also passed entirely too soon. I was not as blessed with a talent for writing as you seem to be, but whenever a thought enters my head "wishing" I had been able to describe her better, I took comfort in the assurance that those who knew her recognized her qualities of loving people and her passion of helping others, on their own. Even as a stranger, I empathize with you and your journey to grieve your loss, and finding a way to lessen the pain. Bless you all.
Liz Laughlin Easley
September 2, 2023
Therese, and family,
My condolences for the loss of your precious Jessica! I recall running into you, meeting Jess years ago when she was a darling little girl.
The love between the two of you was palpable!
My love and prayers are with you in this horrendous tragedy!
Liz Laughlin Easley
Matt Mauritz
September 1, 2023
As with many, I suppose, the time I was given with Jess was far to short. I'm a believer in quality of quantity and those fleeting moments were so full. Her mind was sharp as can be with a heart as soft as a feathered cloud. Her smile was warm and kind and even in those moments when I knew her mind was thinking, she never stopped listening. The thing I will always remember is how Scott's eyes would twinkle when she was with him, or he told me what she was up to. She was a gift to me and so many others and I will cherish those memories.
Therese Bollerup
September 1, 2023
We will celebrate Jessica´s life at a gathering on Sunday, September 10, at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68106. The Center will open at 1:00 p.m. and the program will begin around 2:30. The Center is reserved until 6:00 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to swap Jess stories before and after the program. Please join us if you are able!
Janna Roughead
September 1, 2023
I am so very sorry to hear of Jess's passing. She sounded like such an amazing woman and will be greatly missed.
Janna Roughead
Rick Davis
September 1, 2023
Jess was a beautiful, loving person who is gone far too soon. She always had a smile, or a laugh to share when you needed an extra one. I know she touched many people and her love for all her family and friends will live on each day!
Michele Strickler
August 31, 2023
You are such a spectacular woman and will be deeply missed! It was an honor to know you!
Sean McCarthy
August 31, 2023
In college, if you were off in a corner alone and nursing a beer, or standing on the porch, waiting for someone to arrive, Jessica would be the person who would come up and talk to you. Not an obligatory "talk to this person to make them feel included" style of talk, but a warm, genuine, and engaging talk. For someone who was that approachable, Jessica seemed incapable of making small talk.
It's been 20 years since I graduated college, and I still remember those talks with Jessica. When an MBA wasn't enough for Jessica, she sought out a doctorate at Creighton. I, along with hundreds of people whose lives Jessica made massively better, looked forward to hearing about her next adventure, because she was not someone who was content with how things are currently going. Grateful and thankful, yes - but always looking to make the world better.
She will be forever remembered by everyone lucky enough to have met her. My thoughts are with Jessica's family and close friends.
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