Jessica Finley Obituary

Jessica,
I'm so sorry that I never got to say goodbye, all the memories we have as kids I will hold on forever. You were my older sister that I never had. You will always be in my thoughts.

Jess,
Its difficult to put into words how much you mean to me. You were a big part of my life. Growing up you were always looking out for me, guiding me...helping me become the person i am. You were always there. No matter what it was, I knew that if I needed something, I could count on you. You were my sister.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience you were an endless source of advice. Always supportive, always helpful and always honest, you got me through some tough times. You were my friend.
Full of strength, wisdom, beauty and intelligence, you accomplished so much. You could do anything. I never knew anyone more focused, more determined or more "capable". You taught me alot, I will always look up to you with great admiration. You were a role model.
A year now and the depth of loss is seemingly bottomless. As time goes on, the tragedy becomes more apparent...the lives of those who knew and loved you have become greatly diminished. Life just isnt the same with you gone.
I'm fortunate to have shared so much time with you while i had the chance and blessed to have had someone as special as you in my life.

I miss you terribly.

Jess words can't express how much we all miss you. Michael and Nikki remember all the times you came to visit, you were always here when they started School in August and when they got out of School in June. They miss all the things you did together. I miss having you here to talk to and laugh with. Life just isn't the same without you. You really accomplished a lot in your life, but it ended way to soon!!! We will never forget that beautiful smile and wonderful personality. We all miss and love you very much, and someday we will all be together again.

My oldest daughter, my sweet baby, was taken back to Heaven a year ago. The emptiness in my soul is unimaginable. Jes was full of joy-a beautiful woman-a loving daughter-a caring mother-an excellent student-all of these and more. She was my gift from God and she was even born on my birthday. We grew up together, and shared the special bond of friendship. I will always miss the Saturday morning phone calls where we would just catch up on everyday life. I feel her with me at times and can hear her laugh. I close my eyes....


WE CLOSE OUR EYES

We close our eyes, and see your smile.
We close our eyes, and hear your laughter.
We close our eyes, and feel your hugs.
We close our eyes, and you are not gone.

We wrap your memory in our hearts with Chase so when the pain of your loss spills out, the joy of Chase will ease our sorrows and remind us that the special love shared between a parent and a child never ceases. We love you for ever and always--
We close our eyes, and you are not gone.
Mom and Dad

At this time a year ago I lost my sister Jes. She was my go to person. The one I talked to daily, confided in, and looked up to my whole life. There are really no words to express the loss I now and will always have. I am blessed to have a wonderful family and that Jes gave me such a beautiful nephew Chase. I thank everyone that has been there for me and my family. Thank you to the Finley family and friends/neighbors for all of your help and support with Steve, Maria, and Chase. My thoughts go out to those of you who were lucky to have known Jes and share the loss I am feeling. She is always in my heart and missed so much.

Jes,
It's been a year now since your last visit home. So much has happened in that year, horrible things and wonderful things too. Every day I think of you, I miss you more each day. I miss your guidance and your smile. I wish you could have met your niece, that she could have known you. You will always be my Big Sis. And I miss and love you!
your lil sis-Bonnie

JESS,YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND, AND I MISS YOU VERY MUCH,,GOD TOOK YOU TO SOON, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY...LOVE YA JESS,,,VICKI HAYNES (GRANGER)

Someone Is Missing
Let this be a loving reminder
That someone is missing today,
Someone our hearts still hold on to,
As we travel along life’s way.
Someone who made life so special,
For all those who gather here,
Someone who won’t be forgotten,
But cherished from year to year.
And now, as we pause to remember,
Let us all fondly recall,
How dearly each of us loved her,
And oh...how she loved us all!

JESSICA LYNN FINLEY
04/06/1973 – 09/15/2008

I was sadden to hear of the passing, of Jessica I went to Goodwin an Morton East, with her and I honestly say she was one of the sweetest girls I knew.I have nothing but heartfelt sorrow for her and her family.May god bless her and keep her near. Sincerely

Jessie was one of the coolest girls I knew growing up and even though I lost touch with her after 2003, I'm having a hard time believing that I'll never get to talk to her again.

Dear Jess,
Halloween just wasn't the same without you...I miss you

I was shocked to hear about Jessica's passing. My mom knew her at Goodwin and I graduated from Morton East with her in '91. My wife and I have a 17-month old boy and I cannot imaging your families' grief.

Jess was one of those special people in life that you can never forget. It seems that there has not been a time that I have not known her. I hope that knowing that Jess touched and was loved by so many people helps her family and friends in this time of sorrow. She will be missed and the world is a sadder place with her smile not in it.

You will be loved and remembered forever

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Jess will be greatly missed. Love you all and take care of yourselves

Our prayers are going up from Nicaragua. If tears were pennies, I would have enough money to come and be with my family in this time. I am still in awe. My comfort now is that the Lord tells us in His word that we will not understand everything in this world...all we need to understand is that He loves us and is preparing a place for each one of us. I am praying that my mansion will be on the same block as Jess´...we have had too many miles between us for too long. I am thankful and praising God that I got the chance to be with Jess in July. We all need to cling to our lovely thoughts and memories of her. I love every one of you so much.
Jess´s ¨big¨cousin,
Dawn

Wow, I am just so shocked! It seems like yesterday Sandy Vanderhei, Jenny Rimsky and so many of us were hanging out together. We were just crazy funloving kids. Where does the time go? It seems unfair that a sweet wonderful girl like Jess is taken away. I remember riding my bicycle past her apartment when she lived across the street from the wishingwell resturant. We'd talk and she was always so fun and a happy person to be around. She had this beauty about her both inside and out. It's difficult to explain but everyone who knew her knows what i mean. I can genuinely say that Jessica was one of the most beautiful women and nicest people I've ever met. May God bless and keep you. All of your old Cicero buddies will never forget you and how you've touched our lives.

Love,
Spags

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Jessica and Iwere in the United States Aif Force together and were stationed at March A.F.B., ca. We also toured Germany and Spain together. She was someone i could call and she would always lift my spirits. Just a little story i would like to share, back in 1994 at March A.F.B. we had a formal parade and needed to be in are dress blues, i couldnt for the life of me find my name plate that went on my uniform, so Jessica lent me hers, of course with her last name being ready at the time, i didnt think anyone would notice, of course are first sergeantwalks up to me looks at my name plate and states" looking good airman Ready" that goes to show you how known i was in the squadron. We of course found this very humorous. I will miss Jessica dearly, she left this world way to soon. I wish the best to Steve and Chase and all her family and friends, if this world had more Jessica Finleys in it, it would be a better place.

To the Ready and Finley family and all of those who loved Jess, I know I have already signed the guest book however this poem was a poem that helped me get through the loss of my grandfather and I wanted to share it with all of you:

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...........
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain." And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Jessica and I went to high school together. What a tragic loss to lose a wife and mother so young. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Sarah (Thompson) Townsend

I remember Jessica from Goodwin School in Cicero. My condolences and prayers go out to all of her loved ones.

Dear Bob & Mary,
We are in disbelief of the loss of Jessica, memories of when we all where young and just about every weekend we'd all get together and all our kids played and also grew up together, although time moved us all away from each other, Christmas cards always helped us catch up on the latest with our families, words cannot express our saddess for you both, and all the people who loved her, we go to sleep tonight with heavy hearts after learning of such a sad hearbreak.
With our very deepest Sympathy,
Marty & Sharon Joyce

Jessie, my sister Cindy, Erica, my sister Terry, Bobby, my brother Johnny and Bonnie Sue all made up "The Rainbow Club". We held meetings in the basement of the Ready home, and even went on field trips. The 8 of us had the best summers and memories to last a life time. I was just telling my children the other day how much fun our summers were and how lucky we were to have friends like Jessica, Erica, Bobby and Bonnie. We didn't need cable, the computer, or cell phones, we had each other, and had the best time. Wherever Cindy went....me, Terry and John went. Wherever Jessica went...Erica, Bobby and Bonnie went. So we usually all went together. These are the childhood memories that I cherish always.
I'm so happy that a few years back, we got in touch with each other again after so many years. It was so much fun, Jessie, Cindy and me just catching up on old times talking about my obsession with The Smurfs and Jessie's and Cindy's obsession with Unicorns and rainbows. Making more fun memories playing a good game of pool and kareokee singing like backup singers for Bon Jovi.
Jessie was such a good friend to me and my family and we loved her. I know God wanted his angel back in heaven with Him. I'm so thankful to Him for giving us the time we had with her. I'm so blessed to have beautiful memeories of all of us that I can share with my children on what friendship really is.
Mr. & Mrs. Ready, Erica, Bobby, Bonnie, Stephan, Chase and Maria, my heart goes out to you all and you're in my prayers. Your daughter, sister, wife, and mom was a beautiful person and a great friend and I'm a better person for being blessed with her friendship. Jessica was an angel on earth.

Jess was my friend. Although the last time I saw you was when we were stationed together in the Air Force, you were always in my thoughts when I think back to those days. You were always the rational one in our small group (You, Me, Eric, Toby, Jack, Val to name a few) and you always mananged to keep us in line, and that could not have been easy! But you did. You were the only girl, but we always put you on a pedestal. You were our "Jess". I think I can speak for all of us when I say we loved like our sister and our hearts are broken. But the short time we worked and hung around together will never leave my heart. You were truely a wonderful person to know and I'll never forget you.
All my love and prayers go out to your family.

Mr. and Mrs. Ready, Erica, Bobby, & Bonnie, my heart really goes out to all of you and your entire family. I just found out about Jessie and I am saddend by this great lost. I will keep all of you in my prayers durring this difficult time. I am shocked by this loss. May God bless all of you durring this trying time with strength and understanding.

My family and the Ready family were close when I was growing up as a kid. Jess recently got in touch with me after some 15 yrs over e-mail and it was nice to catch up with each other. I'm shocked and saddened by the news today. My heart goes out to the Ready and Finley families.

My Dear Jes,
I'm beside myself with pain. Our mothers are sisters, we're the same age, our mothers took turns babysitting us and even when my mom and I moved out of Chicago when ever I came home to Chicago you and I would just pick-up were we left off. I have no siblings - so you were more than just my cousin you were my sister too, my heart. To accept that you are not here makes it so hard to breathe. I found myself the other day leaving a clothing store unable to purchase what I had tried on because instantly when I looked in the mirror I remembered the morning of my wedding (11/07/1998) where you my matron of honor gave me this incredible look of approval when I walked out of my bedroom all dressed. I thank God for giving our entire family the honor of you. I know you are one of Gods blessed angels and I look forward to seeing again one day.
Forever love,
Mel~lisa

I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Jessica. My brother Mark and I grew up with Jessica and my mom Colleen loved her. She used to come to birthday parties when we attended Goodwin School. She was a great girl. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. I miss and love you Jes.

Dear Ready and Finley Families,

It's been many years since I have seen or spoke to Jess. When I read her obituary in today's paper my heart broke. To read that one of my best friends from grammar school had her life tragically end at the very young age of 35 is beyond devastating. I will forever remember all of the great times we had together.

My condolences go out to both families in these difficult times.

We just found out. Our hearts go out to you and your family..... We feel your pain....... god bless you and your family always. Jessica is your Angel now.

From The Tosti Family

Jess our hearts have been broken with your sudden passing.Having a wonderful niece like you has been a great privilege.If tears could build a stairway,and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.
Love Uncle Ken

The world is now a darker and sadder place. Jessica was more than wonderful - she was simply beautiful inside and out. A person many of us should practice being more like and a person this world could have used more of. She was very caring and good hearted. Her voice and face were angelic- she had a million and one different faces- all beautiful and sweet. Her smile would light up an entire room, as well as her adorable laughter as she told a story or joke. She was a dear friend who always put others needs before her own. She actually cared about what others thought and always aimed to please everyone. In addition, she put forth much effort into being a genuine friend. She was so generous and a great listener. She had an awesome amount of character and an unforgettable outgoing personality.
I am deeply saddened that she was not given the chance to continue being a wife to Steve, and a mother to her son, Chase. Even though she was not given much time on this earth, she loved unconditionally and unselfishly- a hopeless romantic. How she loved tending to Chase everyday and loved the honor in being called Mom. It brings me a great amount of sadness, knowing that she was unable to start her career as a teacher too; a job that needs someone just like her. Her future students were cheated as well as all of us. I have been blessed to spend much time with her over the years and to be part of her wedding. I will cherish each moment I spent with her for the rest of my life. Even though I have not seen her in a long time, I honestly loved her and I hope she knew that. She was never far from my thoughts. To say the least she was PERFECT in every sense of the word absolutely perfect. To Jess?s family, I am at a loss of words and I am so sorry you have lost a major part of your family. Thank you for bringing her into this world and raising her to be such a beautiful person. She added much joy to my life.
I will miss her a graet deal. Love, Toodles

You never said "I'm leaving"
You never said goodbye
You were gone before I knew it,
And God only knew why
A million times I needed you,
A million times I cried
If Love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died
In Life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place,
That no one could ever fill
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn't go alone
For part of me went with you,
The day God took you home.

My sister Shelly was friends with Jessica through out grade school and high school, Jessica was a good person, Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jessica, her family and friends. May God take you with open arms,

Sincerely

The Iniquez family
Mike, Tracy, Angelo, Anthony, & Mike Jr.

Ready Family,
Jess was some one I always wanted to be like, I always looked up to her. She was the older sister that I never had. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I love you all.

Dear Ready Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose someone so special in your life. All our thoughts and prayers are with you during this emotional time for you.
Gaile, Dave, Clarissa (Dan), Stephanie (Steve) and Jeremy Pfeifer

I was lucky to meet Jessica through April and Kim, she was a wonderful person. My condolences go out to her family and friends.

I wish that I had the words to express the emotions that I am feeling and I wish I had the ability to help us all understand such a tragic loss. Jes was such a genuine person and a good soul. You will be truly missed but I am glad to have been blessed by your friendship! My condolences to everyone else that was blessed as well.

Jessica, Erica and Family.

Last we heard was that you were married and became a mother. As we get older it is nice to know that old friends are doing well. Now in disbelief we can only pray for you and your family and believe that there was a reason why you were taken so suddenly. You will always be remembered as a young, beautiful and kind person. Erica and Bonnie, I’m so sorry for the pain you must be feeling but remember
“ Sisters are “Angels” who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly”. Sisterhood is just one of many gifts that last forever.

Jennifer Gordan and Elizabeth Graeber

Ready and Finley Families,
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Jessica will remain in my heart forever and always.

To Steve and Family, and the Ready Family, Jessica was my "Adopted Daughter" and I loved her very much. I cannot imagine the loss for your families. I feel as though I have lost a daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. I knew Jess thru my daughter Jennifer,since they were little. They were best friends, and I will never forget her. Jennifer and I will always have a Guardian Angel looking out for us!

Erica & Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Jill Desfosses - Workplace Essentials

Steve, Chase, Ready and Finley Families, and everyone who is suffering from this tragic loss- Jes has been taken away from all of us, however something that may never be taken is all of the memories which will always live strong. As a childhood friend of Erica I always looked up to Jessie as a role model. Now as adults I see her as a great friend who will be deeply missed, and will always be in our hearts and prayers.

Janice Scott and Hunter

Erica and Family
Erica I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

the smile - the eyes- the difference you have made in so many peoples lives- your natural spark- the burst of freshness- originality- spontaneaty- beauty deep.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Helen & Paul Smith - Workplace Essentials.

Erica and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thughts and prayers are with you.

Lisa and Joanne
Workplace Essentials

Steve and family,
Words cannot express the sadness and sorrow we feel for your loss. We, ourselves, are torn apart inside trying to imagine life without Jessica. She was a great friend and an amazing mother. We loved her and will cherish every memory. Just know that we are here for you during this incredibly difficult time. Love, Jackie and Norm

Ready and Finley families,
Words can not begin to express my sorrow. I was blessed to have spent one last time with my dear old friend from Kindergarten on Aug 30th. A part of me and my childhood is now gone. I love and will miss you Jes. Shelly Iniquez (McCann)

Although we only knew Jessica for a few years, we immediatley recognized her kindness and warmth and understood why she was so special to Steve and her family. We will miss her genuine personality.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Finley and Ready families.

Steve, Maria and Chase,
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that your Hancock "family" is always here for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Steven, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I did not speak to her often, I loved her dearly. My heart is torn apart. You are in my prayers.

Maria, We sorry that your "Mom" died and I hope you can have a fun school year. And we will miss playing that rock, trash bin game that we always played with her.
Love Anthony and Alex Sedor

Steve, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We are praying that you and your family find the strength that you will need to go about your life. Your friendship is something that we will always cherish, and Jess will always be present in all of our hearts. Please know that we are here for you, Maria and Chase for anything you need.
Love Eric & Kathy"the Nanny" Sedor

Stephen,
There are no words that can express the depth of sadness in our hearts that we feel for you, Chase, the Ready & Finley family on the loss of your loving Jessica.
You are, and will be in our prayers.

Steve, I grew up with Jess at Goodwin School. Although only in touch infrequently (different high schools, different paths), I feel as if part of my heart has been taken. My thoughts are with you at this terrible time.

My condonlences to Steve, Chase, Maria and all of Jes's family and all of her friends who loved her. Jes will always be remembered and missed by me. We always had fun together and I am so appreciated of April for introducing me to such a great person. My heart goes out to all and now Chase has his own special guardian angel in which she will always look out for all of us. You are all in my prayers in this time of sorrow and we will keep Jes's memories alive.

I am very sorry for this great loss. I pray for Jessica and her family during this difficult time. I went to high school with Jess and have mutual friends that were very close to her. In loving memory of a wonderful person.

Steve and family,
We'll always remember Jess as a kind and caring person. Most of our memories of Jess are how much she adored and loved Chase and we're grateful to have known her. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

jess,we are sad that you're not here. we will miss you.

Steve and Family,
Please know that we are praying for all of you at this most difficult time in your lives. We will always cherish our wonderful memories of Jess, who was truly such a caring and kind woman. We are so very thankful for having known her and for becoming so much more than just neighbors. Know that Jess will be missed very much by all of us.

Jes has always been my role model, my strong big sis that would do anything for me. I will miss all the time we should have had together. And I can't imagine how we will get thru this, but we will help one another and pull together to be there for her pride and joy Chase. Her legacy!!!

Steve, Words seem inadequate to express the pain we all feel at this time.Jessica's passing has left an empty spot in all our lives. Her time was short but our memories of her will last forever. Love, Jumbo

The world will be a sadder place without Jessica in it. I am honored to have been able to know her and still can't believe she is gone. My only consolation is that she had a wonderful life surrounded be an adoring family and friends that loved her so very much. Jess was a role model for all of us who knew her. She worked hard to accomplish her goals in life and proved that you can do whatever you set you mind out to do. She managed to gain her degree at the top of her class and, at the same time, give 100% to being a wife and mother. God Bless you Jess. I know you are somewhere right now smiling down on us. With love always,
Sue

Steve
We are so sorry to hear of yours and your family's loss of Jess
Matt and Sharon Fitzpatrick