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Jess Massey Obituary
Jessica Anne Massey (Aleksander), 32, died in her home in San Diego, CA, on April 23, 2018. She was born on July 8, 1985, to John and Trudy Aleksander of Perrysburg, OH. Jess married Jason Massey on July 22, 2012, on a beautiful beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She worked for almost 10 years in Northwest Ohio as a Licensed Social Worker in hospital, gerontology, substance abuse, and mental health settings.
Jess was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 19, but she was so much more than a young woman with a mental illness. She loved to dance and enjoyed her experiences on the Eastwood High School Dance Team as a dancer and later as coach. She also loved traveling, music, animals, football, hockey, and time with family and friends. She was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness; in addition to her professional work, she also volunteered for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the American Red Cross.
In an effort to reduce the stigma around mental illness, Jess started a personal blog, My Open Flame. As she introduced herself to readers, "I'm Jess, and I'm a lot of things. I'm passionate, loyal, honest, caring, funny (I think), emotional, empathic, flawed, strong, resourceful, and intelligent…among many other things." She was all these things and so much more; she will be missed by her family, friends, and the many individuals she encountered on her personal and professional journey to understand her illness and improve her own life and the lives of others.
Jess is survived by her husband, Jason Massey; parents, John and Trudy Aleksander; sister, Liz Aleksander (Andrew Morency); grandmother, Anne (Ted) Jenkins, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, George McLaughlin and John and Madeline Aleksander. Jess loved her pets and found true comfort in difficult times by cuddling with her cats Ziggy and Tiger and her dog Luna.
A celebration of Jess's life will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, her 33rd birthday, at Walbridge Park's community building off Broadway Street in Toledo, Ohio. The family will greet friends beginning at 6 p.m., with a celebration of Jess's life at 7 p.m. If you are so inclined, please consider a memorial donation to NAMI Wood County (www.namiwoodcounty.org). We can all honor Jess by reacting with kindness and understanding to support others who seek a way forward during difficult times.
View the online memorial for Jess Massey
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Memories and Condolences
for Jess Massey
Lisa Ruck
June 18, 2020
Remembering little Jessica today... praying for your family. Love from her teacher who will never forget!
Lisa Contris Ruck
June 25, 2018
You are loved and missed, Sweet girl!
Lisa Contris Ruck
June 25, 2018
Mr. and Mrs. Aleksander,
I am breathless and heartbroken reading this with my morning coffee. I remember Jess from my class at Webster school, was Facebook friends with her, and read her blog a time or two. My heart is overflowing with sadness and I will keep your family and Jason in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss... for the world's loss. She will be remembered fondly!
Lisa Contris Ruck
Linda Stacy
June 25, 2018
My heart goes out to all of you at this very difficult time.
Kay Fletcher
June 24, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to Trudy and the entire family of Jess. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wess Adams
June 24, 2018
I offer my most sincere condolences. It is obvious reading about Jess, that she made this world a better place for many, and I believe her efforts may continue to effect lives she touched. John and Roseanne (my school-mate) know that you don't bear these sorrows alone. Hugs.
Love ❤
Wess
June 24, 2018
I hope that her spirit is exploring the amazing ability to be free. Love to you all. Kitty
Diane Dotson
June 24, 2018
John and Trudy, we know that there are no words that will take the heartbreak away. You all have our deepest sympathy and prayers. Please if there is anything we can do please let us know. God Bless you and may He comfort you .
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