Supporting Ed Staudinger & Family

Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by. 

Some of you are mutual friends and co-workers but for those of you who I've never had the opportunity to meet, my name is Julie. I'm just one of many people who considers Ed to be my work family and because of that, I was lucky enough to have had a little piece of Jess in my life too.

 I first met Ed and Jess in 2010, shortly after Ed returned from a tour in Afghanistan and joined EPS in Recruit Training Class 117. I was in the class following his and we ended up starting our careers in Northeast Division Squad 4 together. Ed always had my back and to this day he’s always been one of the best partners I ever had.

 I instantly loved Jess when we met. You could just tell she had a warm, nurturing, down-to-earth way about her. It never mattered if it had been 6 months or 1 year since our last squad/family get-together, she always made you feel like you were catching up with an old friend. Our squad back then had so many great times together and Jess was always a part of those memories. She was an incredible mother and together Ed and Jess were that couple the rest of us aspired to be. If you're visiting this page, chances are you already know that Ed and Jess were one of the most genuine, kind, incredible couples you could ever meet. Whether you're a fellow educator that worked with Jess, served with Ed in the Army or Policing, a family member or a friend, I'm confident that they brought light into all of your lives. 

As you know, Jess received a very sudden, unexpected and aggressive cancer diagnosis in the fall of 2022. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that such amazing people had to face more than enough hardships for a lifetime. In true Ed and Jess fashion, their optimism, strength and resiliency never waivered despite receiving the worst news imaginable. Jess fought bravely to the very end before passing away on May 8th, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. 

If you're anything like me, you probably feel completely helpless knowing a family who holds a special place in your heart is going through this nightmare. I don't quite know how to put into words how completely unfair this all feels but I do know we all think the world of this family and there will undoubtedly be some tough days ahead. My hope with this fundraiser is that we can all come together to provide Ed and the kids with some financial support through this difficult time so they can focus on each other on their path through grief and healing. I hope they can go on every road trip, every mountain climb, every fishing/camping adventure and every lake day that Jess wasn’t able to make it to, while feeling her presence with them in the warmth of the sunshine. 

Jess was an absolute beauty in every way and she will be greatly missed. May the amazing memories that she created with everyone she loved continue to live on in all of us♥️

Thank you all for your donations and your continued support.