Farewell - a memorial for Jess

My name is Bonnie and at the start of this year, February 2nd 2021, I lost my beautiful cousin Jess after she took her own life.

Jess was one of the kindest people you would ever meet, as well as being an incredibly talented actress. She always put her friends and families wellbeing before her own, and was always there to listen to everyone else's difficulties, despite having so many of her own. She had this contagious smile and laugh that brought you so much joy as you listened to it and a stage presence that would captivate you and leave you engaged the entire time.

Jess was 22 when she died but her struggles began long before that, dating back to primary school being her first instances of self harm. She fought so hard, battling so many of her inner demons but unfortunately she couldn't get the help that she needed and she deserved.

As Jess left this world, she also left behind her mum, Jen. My auntie Jen is a single parent with Jess being her only child. With every time Jess felt her mental health declining, Jen did the best she could to give her the help and support she needed, admitting Jess into hospitals so many times that she lost count. It was still not enough. Jess spent 10 years of her life in and out of hospital care.

As Jess passed this year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, her funeral was limited to family only. Around 6 weeks later we were able to have a celebration of her life along with a ceremony acknowledging her aboriginal heritage. Jess was cremated however her ashes are yet to be spread.

Jess loved nature and animals - it didn't matter what the animal was, Jess loved it (she even had two pet rats).

Mornington Green is a tranquil space in Somerville where you can purchase a tree to spread your loved ones ashes amongst. This tree will be maintained forever, so Jess' loved ones will be able to continue to visit her in a tranquil space of parkland, reflecting on all the happy times and her life. Jen has chosen a flowering Yellow Gum tree which will be in flower during Jess' birth month of August. The cost to have her ashes laid here and forever maintained in this parkland is $13,000.

It would mean a lot to be able to give Jess a place to rest that would give her the peace that she deserves, that she was always unable to find prior to her death.

Jess may've thought this life wasn't for her, however she's left a hole in our family and an unimaginable hole in Jen, that can never be replaced.

It would mean so much if you are able to contribute to our fund to let my cousin and Jen's only child lay at rest.

RIP Jessica Rain Jones, forever in our hearts and always on our minds.