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Jessica QUAM Obituary
Jessica Tsehai Quam
December 12, 1971 – April 13, 2015
MCKINLEYVILLE, CA - On the evening of April 13, 2015, Jessica Quam, loving daughter and sister, died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism.
Jessica was born in Indianapolis, and grew up in Springfield, Ill., where she graduated from Lanphier High School. She earned her B.A. degree from Webster University in St. Louis. After working in Springfield for several years as an administrative assistant, she moved to Northern California to be with her parents.
Jessica was a beautiful, brave, and generous person with a quick wit and a colorful style. She had a strong sense of justice and fairness. She was very fond of animals, especially cats. She was a kind of "cat whisperer," one who could make an instinctive connection with any cat she met. Jessica loved to cook, and always made more than enough, so she could share her delicious dishes with friends. Jessica loved music of many kinds, and had a lovely singing voice, but she was shy about singing in public.
In the last decade or more, Jessica struggled with some difficult health problems, but in the months before she died she was beginning to feel better, and her sparkle was back.
She is survived by her parents, Michael and Milli Quam of McKinleyville, Calif.; her brother, Rolf Quam of Binghamton, N.Y.; many uncles, aunts and cousins; and her beloved animal companions, Felix and Jack. She will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held May 9 in Arcata, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial gift in her name to: Miranda's Rescue, 1603 Sandy Prairie Rd., Fortuna CA 95540; http://mirandasrescue.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jessica QUAM
July 27, 2015
We are thinking of Jessica and her beautiful soul. Our thoughts are with her family also.
Peace to you all.
Heidi and Heri Muensterer
Jill Abbyad
May 5, 2015
She will be forever remembered in our extended family of beloved children. How can it be that someone just getting on with life was cut short in the process? No answers, only wonder, in the mystery of life on earth. We will celebrate her life in June when the family unites. In New Orleans, we would have a second line and sing, "I'll Fly Away". I can hear the brass band.......
May 5, 2015
Today, we learned that we lost a friend. A dear soul who will be remembered for so many things. Her laugh and her light still shines in our hearts. We love you, girl!
Amy & Connie Watson
Springfield, IL
May 4, 2015
Thinking of you all in this difficult time. I remember playing with Jessica during potlucks at your house in Springfield many, many years ago. My heart goes out to each of you and all who loved Jessica. May you find peace in all of the wonderful memories that you'll carry with you always.
Much love,
Sara (Ettinger) Wilcockson
Julie Tull
May 4, 2015
My heart goes out with my deepest sympathy to Milli,Michael and Rolf. Jessica was easily the most influential friend in my life, I am thankful and blessed to have known her. She opened my eyes to so much about the world and the people in it. We shared many; dreams,shenanigans,music,movies,boy crushes a love of animals and food together and she will always have a place in my heart.
Rick McGrath
May 3, 2015
Mike and Milli--this is heartbreaking news. Please know that Darcy and I are thinking about both of you
Kathy McConnell
May 2, 2015
Michael & Milli,
I am keeping you & your family in my thoughts.
Bonnie and Ron Ettinger
May 2, 2015
Milli, Michael and Rolf: We are so sorry to hear about Jessica's passing. We send our deepest sympathies on this tragic loss. We will keep you all in our hearts.
Gary Willhoit
May 2, 2015
I was blessed to be one of Jessica's teachers at Lanphier. She made every day brighter and was joy to have in class. My condolences to her family. I am heart broken.
Jerry Sattinger
April 29, 2015
My most heartfelt condolences to Milli, Michael, and Rolf.
April 28, 2015
I am sorry that I never met Jessica. Millie and Michael, I feel for you in your loss. May you be peaceful and free from suffering. Kitty Wrigley, Springfield, IL
Michael Keck
April 28, 2015
Jess,
May your voice be joined with the choirs of angels in heaven and may God comfort everyone in this world who loves you.
Jo Anne Keck
April 27, 2015
Jess, we loved you so much. You always filled our lives with your spirit and love for life. We so enjoyed all the times we spent with you and we know you will continue to celebrate life with Jama and Grampy, tell them hey! We will miss you so much and you will always be part of our lives forever and forever. MUCH MUCH MUCH love. XOXO, Jo Anne
April 26, 2015
Jessica was a very special "family member" to all of us since we met Millicent and Michael when Jessica was 4 yrs. old. We loved Jessica's ability to be fully focused and non distracted from whatever interested her; people, animals and pets, and cooking to name several. Our various animals through the years also completely bonded with Jessica when they met her. Jessica listened to them so completely. We remember how special she made all of us feel when we visited; cooking special dishes for us and making her delicious macaroni and cheese for our grandson Kevin during his spring break visit and also including our dog Finnegan into her pet family of Jack and Felix for the 6 weeks of our stay. So many memories of course, these are just the more recent.
We remember you Jessica with love and admiration, and we sadly miss your presence.
Ronda, Jack, Finnegan, and Mr. Finky Pants
genie porter
April 25, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Jessica was a very sweet person i only talked with her a couple times, but she was always really fun to talk with and i loved her cat tattoo she will be missed
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