Jessica Laing Lunan, 68, died Dec. 4, 2019, with her
three children, her sister Lucinda, her partner Jim Bywater and one of
their best friends by her side.
Jessica lived the last five years in Adrian, Ore., living an
adventurous life. She volunteered with the local Rotary chapter and
enjoyed spending many happy days fishing, camping in her beloved RV,
and recreating in the wild outdoors.
She will be remembered for her infectious smile, laughter and overall
love of life and adventure!
Jessica was born on Oct. 7, 1951, in Waterbury, Conn., to James
Douglas and Polly Hart Lunan. She was the third oldest child out of
seven children. Jessica received her high school diploma from St.
Margaret’s School, and received a B.S. degree in biology from Mount
Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Mass.
She worked many years for MacDermid (Enthone) company in Waterbury,
Conn., then moved on and received a professional’s teaching degree.
Jessica taught in schools in both Connecticut and Vermont, mostly
working with children with developmental and physical disabilities.
This work was profoundly meaningful to Jessica and allowed her to
provide for others in a way that not all can.
In 2014, Jessica retired and moved to Adrian, Ore., to fulfill her
dream of living in the West. It was after this move that she met the
love of her life, Jim, and they spent their summers farming and
fishing in Oregon, while retreating to Arizona in the winters to avoid
the cold Jess never really liked.
Jessica was preceded in death by her parents, James Douglas and Polly
Hart Lunan of Middlebury, Conn.; and her older sister Alexandra Lunan
(New York, N.Y.).
She is survived by her three beautiful children, Amanda (Tyler) Young
of Portland, Ore., Sara (Jerry) Mabb of Burlington, Vt., and her son
James (Amanda) Verdery of Littleton, Mass. She is also survived by
three grandchildren, Julian Young, Edith Mabb and Hannah Verdery.
Jessica’s siblings, Lucinda (Dale) Borge of Adrian, Ore., John (Carol)
Lunan of Francestown, N.H., Norval (Cindy Lavoie) Goshen, Conn.,
Charlie (Deena) Lunan of Charlotte, N.C., and Amanda (Jim) Domino of
Townsend, Mont., will miss her deeply, but are grateful that she
followed this journey in her own “fiercely independent” way.
Jessica is also survived by her cousins, Connie Walkingshaw, Kathy
Hart and Stephanie Cotton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces
and great-nephews who all loved her dearly; as well as many amazing
friends all over the country.
The family is profoundly grateful for the heartfelt condolences and
check-ins as we navigate this most difficult time.
There will be a celebration of life for Jessica on Saturday, March 21,
at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, Conn., in The Garden Room from 1
to 5 p.m.
