Jessica Tyler O’Connor, age 36, died suddenly 1/7/23 due to a drug overdose. She was our headstrong wild child; fun, loving, compassionate, intelligent, willful, independent, upbeat, frightened, and so free spirited. She struggled so valiantly on her journey to recovery. We are heartbroken and mourn the loss of sobriety that took her life. Below are her own words, written as she battled this awful disease.
“1 year, 365 days, 8,771 hours sober. September 24, 2018 I surrendered and started this journey. I was filled with fear of the unknown. All I knew was I couldn’t stay in the life I had, not wanting to go to sleep because I was going to wake up the same person. Having my daughter literally ripped from my arms because my disease came before her. Today my family doesn’t have to mourn me. My daughter cannot be ripped from my arms and she doesn’t wonder if she’ll ever see me again when she says, “bye Mommy”. I have strong women who I look up to and even stronger women that look up to me. I am a Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and a loyal friend. I am the face of addiction. I was born into addiction and today I refuse to die in addiction. September 24th, 2018 wasn’t the only day I surrendered…EVERYDAY I surrender and that tiny tiny bit of faith that brought me to my knees, 1 year ago, has turned into a beacon of hope. I thank my higher power for giving me an army of people that are fighting this disease with me and I hope all of you know I got your back! 1 year ago I put down the shovel and stopped digging my own grave. I am the face of addiction and also a face of hope. If your struggling you are not alone. Please put down the shovel and reach for my hand. ”
Jessica is predeceased by her mother and most ardent supporter, Bonnie, who waits with open arms and an open heart. She is predeceased by her brother Daniel. She is survived by her devoted father Jack, stepmother Janet, and daughter Harper. She is also survived by her sisters Jennifer (Bob), Deb (Jeremy), Kyle (Al), her brothers Dan (Julia), Jonathan, and Billy, her nieces and nephews Madi, Anselie, Bailey, Lucy, Wesley and Brielle, a multitude of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, and her family and friends in and out of AA and NA.
A ceremony in her memory will be held at Highland Park on February 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM. Please meet at the reservoir parking lot and follow the sign and neon green ribbons.
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Jennifer,Harper,Anselie,Brielle and Jack,
“I am so very sorry for your loss,” doesn’t seem to suffice. Knowing Jessica much of her younger years was one of the best memories I have. I will always remember playing outside with Jen and Jess, we played almost daily. She will be sorely missed especially by all of you. Jennifer, you know I am always here for you, always by your side as I have always been. Love you!
I will miss Jessica forever 💞
Jack, Janet and family. There are no words that will make this better. My heart soars into the universe in support of yours. I remember when Jessica first came to live with Bonnie and Jack. A tiny little thing, but such a Spitfire . Bonnie and I would laugh until we cried about her antics. She “escaped” from Day Care once and headed down Henrietta Rd because she wanted to go home to her mom. She hated separation. She’d make you laugh and then later make you want to hide from her until she was over whatever set her off. She loved hard. And angered easily. She struggled and then would pick herself up and SHINE. She was a fighter. Its hard to believe that it ended this way. I hope you all find peace and a tiny amount of relief in knowing that Bonnie is waiting. She loved her so much,
May you Rest In Peace. You are loved by so many. Your battle is done.
Jessica loved. Jessica loved me. This is a tragedy because she fought from birth and struggled everyday yet you knew if she was your friend that she loved you. I will never forget your kindness or your hugs.
Sleep peacefully in paradise beautiful
I will miss you and I love you
There are never the right words for such a loss. Jess touched the lives and hearts of so many of us in the recovery community. Such a beautiful warrior that will be missed immensely . May the four winds blow her safely home 🧡
Loving moments.
Jess…. what a great human!! Heart of gold with a tongue like a whip when the top boiled over!! I remember the laughs in group, the tears came also. That tough as nails exterior that was gentle and true inside. I’m so sorry you left us so soon kiddo. You fought your battle and you fought it HARD. You were such a funny chick to be around, especially with people carrying the same amount of sarcasm as you!! I’m lucky to have been one of those!! Fly High Jess. See you on the other side!!
Our deepest condolences to Harper, Jack, Janet, Jenny & all. We will all sadly miss you Jessie.
I know your loving Mom was waiting for you at Heaven’s door. I remember when you stayed overnight for the first time…..you were so sweet & left a little thank you card with a picture that you drew for Lisa & I. You certainly deserved the nickname Bon gave you…. Sweetpea. We love you dearly & will see you again…..give your mom hugs for me sweetie.
My baby! From the day we met we knew we were in for a ride. We loved your spunk . Bonn wanted to be a mom and I knew I wasn’t done being a dad . Bonnie just wanted to love and because that was how mom raised her she felt it was the right way. Love was important but I felt you needed direction. You and I struggled in the beginning, you tested us often. I will say our relationship changed when you became a parent. More than anything I want people to know how proud I was of you as you struggled with your addiction. This was not the end you pictured. You slipped once to much . I know as you slipped away, your thoughts were of Harper, Cash , Mika and the rest of your family and how they would handle the results of your actions. Know this, we love you and we are relieved that your struggles are over . We will miss your humor, your love, your Witt and your presence . Follow mom know a keep a close eye on your daughter
All so true.
Jessica will be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
Your honesty was a breath of fresh air and I will miss your beautiful smile… I know you’re not longer struggling and are finally at peace. You give me the strength to fight just that much harder… Sleep with the angels Jess
Rest in peace sweet angel
I miss walking our dogs together and talking with you during these walks. When my dog Bosco just passed away, I thought about you being there to welcome him with open arms. I will never forget you.
Rest easy girl. Brought tears to my eyes when I heard this. A very beautiful soul and a very good friend. Miss ya kid. I hope to see you again on the otherside.