Jessica IZQUIERDO
Jessica IZQUIERDO

Obituary of Jessica Lorraine IZQUIERDO

September 12, 1997 – Calgary, Alberta September 10, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta Jessica, beloved daughter of JP and Jill, sister of Jacob, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the age of 20 years. Our dearest Jessica, you were born under a beautiful rainbow at the Foothills Hospital, in Calgary, where you were welcomed by your adoring grandparents, Jerome and Lorraine Berger, Genny Glatt, and Joe and Mary Jo Glatt and embraced by your aunts and uncles Mark and Renata Berger, Paul and Danielle Berger, Oscar Izquierdo, Jose and Marta Aragon, and Javier and Lysa Glatt. As our first child, and our family’s first grandchild, and niece we were filled with awe and joy as we witnessed your enthusiastic, inquisitive nature and quest for learning as you grew. As a toddler you excitedly anticipated the arrival of your dearest brother, Jacob. He loved that you cheered him on in all of his endeavours. He looked up to you as a role model. Jacob could always feel your love whenever you were with him and cherished each and every moment. Your relationship was one of mutual respect, admiration, and unconditional love. As our families grew, you were deeply admired and cherished by your cousins Michael Berger, Arianna Berger, Anileah Berger, Madison Berger, Havana Izquierdo, Jordi Izquierdo, Shaela Jalava, Aziza Glatt, Camila Glatt, Oscar Glatt, Felix Aragon and Sophia Aragon. Your kind, honest, genuine, and gentle nature defined you. You always welcomed others with an open heart and acceptance. Your vibrant, passionate, spirited character was a reflection of your beautiful soul. You approached life with zest and ambition, all the while being modest, humble, and considerate of others. You inspired us to be the best that we could be. You were such an accomplished young lady from a very early age. Whether it was soccer, piano, singing, dancing, reading, or school sports, you strove for and achieved excellence. We were continually amazed by you as you consistently achieved the highest levels of academic success with your dedication to your studies. As you embarked on your journey at the University of Calgary in the Honours Neuroscience program to reach your dream of being a physician, you participated in an astonishing number of extracurricular positions and volunteer roles. You were highly esteemed and regarded in your roles at the Mental Health Awareness Club, Outrun the Stigma Committee, Synapse: YYC Neuroscience Symposium, New Student Registration Assistant, Science Ambassador at the U of C, Brain Waves Club, Run for the Little Ones Non-Profit, Science Mentorship Program, U Flourish Program, Association for the Rehabilitation of Brain Injured, Undergraduate journal club, PEMRAP Research Assistant at the Children’s Hospital, Kids Cancer Care Volunteer Tutoring Team, and several other smaller volunteer roles. It is with overwhelming pride that we acknowledge your contributions to helping others, particularly in the area of mental health. Your achievements were also officially recognized in the form of scholarships: The Atlantis Fellowship Scholarship, BSc Neuroscience Summer Research Scholarship, SUPER Work Scholarship, Jason Lang Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Award, Faculty of Science Dean’s List, Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, First Year Scholars Member, President Admissions Scholarship and the St. Francis High School Honours Society. During this very difficult time, we have felt comfort in hearing what a beautiful friend you were and how you touched each person in a deeply profound way. You are painfully missed and will always be lovingly remembered. Jessica, you were our light, our joy, our gold and our rainbow. With our deepest gratitude, thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit with us. With love, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Milo Pupper “It takes sunshine and rain to make a rainbow. There would be no rainbows without sunshine and rain.” R.Bennett Jessica’s Memorial Service will be held at RockPointe Church (, AB T3L 2R2), on Tuesday September 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Please feel free to wear any colour under the rainbow, including pink! Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Our family would like to thank the incredible outpouring of support from family and friends during our darkest time. In addition, we would like to especially thank John Doyle, Brad Kopp, Kyle Blondeau and all the First Responders who assisted us; Dr. Kirvan, and all the health care professionals that worked with Jessica over the past 6 years; the University of Calgary Neuroscience Department; Debbie Bruckner and Susan Barker from the Student Wellness Support team at the U of C. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to join us and/or donate to the Outrun the Stigma Run/Walk, which will be held in Jessica’s honour, on October 21, 2018. Please follow the link below for more information. In living memory of Jessica, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. CALGARY, AB, T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.
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