Jessica Roseman, 82, of Ashley Falls, passed away peacefully at her home on January 11, 2021, after a long illness, surrounded by her family. Jessica died as she lived – with resilience, tenacity, bravery, compassion for others, and humor. Her absence is deeply felt and we miss her dearly.

Born in New York City in 1938, Jessica began spending time in the Berkshires with her family at a young age, immediately falling in love with the country. She loved exploring the woods and learning about local plants and wildlife (a fascination she passed on to many young people). As a child, she made her own sticks for trout fishing and often brought fish from the nearby stream for dinner with the family. She lived and worked in New York City until she moved permanently to the Berkshires around 1974.

Jessica worked primarily in education and was particularly qualified to work with children with disabilities. She was a gifted and highly skilled pianist who began playing the organ in church at the age of nine, enjoyed playing and singing with friends and family, and was organist at Trinity Methodist Church in Ashley Falls for over 30 years. She was a single mother by choice in a time when this was rare, and she worked hard to create a loving and supportive community in which her daughter will grow up.

She loved her job as a children’s librarian in Sheffield, where she ran many wonderful programs including holiday programs, music and stories for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as nightclubs. chess and Lego.

Jessica had a lifelong passion for birds and bird watching. She also enjoyed nature, gardening, reading, word games, crosswords, music and teaching. She had an infinite interest in learning and knowledge, and loved to read on a wide variety of subjects. She cared deeply for social justice, democracy and human rights, and would go to bat to protect and support the underdog. She had a huge heart, strong opinions, and tended to say exactly what she was thinking. Those who knew her usually came to like her. Above all, it was her love of humor and laughter, and she would do almost anything to get people to smile, even when she was very sick. She often reminded us to try to keep a sense of humor, because “so much laugh!”

Jessica’s friends and family have been a great joy to her. She leaves behind her beloved family: her daughter Kate Magram; sister and brother-in-law Deborah and Ted First; his niece, two nephews and 11 grandnieces and nephews, each of whom cherished their Aunt Jess; and many precious friends. She leaves her best friend of many years, Betty LeGeyt, with whom she has shared many adventures, including leading a Bluebird troupe, running library programs for children and maintaining a study group. weekly for years. Her family is grateful to Karin Shanley, Jessica’s dedicated caregiver who has also become her dear friend. Her family is also grateful to the many caring healthcare professionals who have helped her have the best possible quality of life, as well as the countless friends and community members who have shown their love and support in so many ways. She loved and appreciated her local community of Ashley Falls / Sheffield. Jessica was predeceased by her parents, Morris and Ruth Roseman.

As Jessica requested, there will be a small outdoor memorial service in the spring. Instead of flowers, Jessica suggested donations to Doctors Without Borders or Smile Train. The family would appreciate any specific memories you would like to share. Memories and messages can be left on his memorial page at the Boston Cremation.