Remembering our loving Grandmother Jessica Stelling

As some of you may know, our beloved grandmother Jessica Stelling was initially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which later advanced to metastatic lung cancer. Jessica ultimately passed away as a result of this on May 3rd, 2024 at approximately 7:00 PM at her home in the arms of her two granddaughters. As a result of her diagnosis, her family has incurred expenses needed to support her hospice care and medical procedures to ensure her passing was as painless as possible. These costs were not covered by insurance and her loved ones have $10,000 (at least) of out-of-pocket expenses.

Jessica’s unconditional love and compassionate nature is what made her so memorable and special to anyone she met. She instilled strength by the life she lived. She loved adventures, traveling, and being in the outdoors. She traveled, backpacked, and hiked mountains throughout Europe in her twenties. After her travels, she dedicated her life to teaching the hard of hearing to develop their language (speaking, reading, and writing) in New York City. Her passion for teaching motivated her to become an author and create "The Words They Need- Welcoming Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing to Literacy."

After she retired she took on the role as a parent figure to her 4 grandchildren when they needed her the most. She was the most altruistic, funny, and warmest soul. She was a grandmother to anyone who was lucky enough to have met her.

All of her talents and passion of life tell us that life is a blessing. Life moves too quickly, so take the time to appreciate the small things more. She taught us many things, but she didn't prepare us for life without her.

In her last letter that we found to us she says:

“As time goes on, the heartache softens while the happiness accompanies us all of our lives. I wrap my arms around you, forever…”

Being your grandchildren was the best thing that ever happened to us, so please in our next life be our grandmother again. We love you… with all our hearts.

The road ahead will be a difficult one and they will need your support as they embark down this path of grieving and recovery. Please consider donating to support the Stelling-Martinez family. If you are unable to do so at this time, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.