Obituary of Jessica Dawn Wassenaar

Jessica Dawn Wassenaar 1986 - 2010 Jessica Dawn Wassenaar of Rolla, British Columbia, passed away on August 22, 2010 in Dawson Creek at 24 years of age. A funeral service was held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the Rolla Baptist Church, officiated by Pastors David and Phyllis Roch. Interment followed in the Rolla Cemetery, officiated by Pastor John F. Klassen. Jessica was born in Dawson Creek on April 7, 1986, to Mike and Cheryl, a true blessing, as their first child, Alisha had died in infancy only 15 months previously. At three months of age Jessica became ill and was flown to BC Children’s Hospital where she underwent surgery and tests. The diagnosis was a very rare and incurable genetic disorder called Tyrosinemia. Her only hope was a liver transplant. Jessica, nicknamed ‘Tiger’ in hospital, was a real fighter. Her parents and grandmother, June, had to go through intense training to learn to care for her. ‘Tiger’ continued to fight for survival and was allowed out of hospital to spend her first Christmas with family at home. At nine months old, Jessica, her dad and grandma flew to Minnesota and Ontario so Jessica could undergo tests for possible transplant. Both facilities accepted her as a good candidate, and they flew back to BC to await the call. Cheryl had been unable to travel at the time as she was expecting Jessica’s baby brother, Sheldon. Just days before her first birthday, she had her transplant. After a long and rocky recovery, she felt better than she ever had, and there was a permanent smile on her face! She enjoyed cycling, swimming, reading, music, pets, school and church. Jessica asked Jesus into her life at three years of age and became gifted at scripture memorization, and singing in church. At age nine, Jessica’s prayers for a sister were answered as Mike and Cheryl adopted a baby girl, Jasmine. She was like another mother to Jasmine. When Jessica was 14, the family adopted Cheylyne, and Owen. She was thrilled and became a very protective big sister. Jessica attended Rolla Elementary School, Central Middle School and South Peace Senior Secondary. Due to ill health she left South Peace and enrolled in Electric Ed at the O’Brien Education Centre, where she graduated and received her dogwood diploma. In the past couple years Jessica’s health took its toll; she rededicated her life to the Lord while in Edmonton for her last medical check-up. Jessica was predeceased by her sister, Alisha; her grandparents, Arnold and Jacoba Wassenaar, and Frank Mamm. She will be lovingly remembered by: her parents, Michael and Cheryl; siblings, Sheldon, Cheylyne, Jasmine and Owen; grandmother, June Mamm; aunts and uncles, Dale (Susan) Mamm, Rick (Lorna) Mamm, Donald Mamm and Carol Mamm, Jeannette (Russell) Sherwood, Adriana McGill, John (Christina) Wassenaar, Lillian (Scott) Hayes, Harry (Nadine) Wassenaar, Edward (Deanna) Wassenaar, and William (Robin) Wassenaar; and her many cousins; extended family and friends. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jessica, may be made by donation to the 'David Foster Foundation' 212 Henry Street, Victoria, British Columbia V9A 3H9.