Jessica â??Jess�? Anderson

24 years and 359 days old, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 29, 2005 in Carolina?s Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. She was born June 5, 1980 in Elmira, NY, the beloved daughter of David and Ellen (Haner) Anderson. Her maternal grandfather, Harold Haner and her paternal grandfather, Walt Fenton, predeceased Jessica. She is survived by her loving and caring parents, David and Ellen Anderson of Elmira, NY; paternal grandparents, Lois and Don Hartman of Elmira, NY; maternal grandmother, Mercedes Haner of Elmira, NY, with whom she shared a special love, giving each other strength and guidance; aunt, Carol (Gary) Johnson of Newton, NC. Although Carol was Jessica?s aunt, she never mentioned her that way. Carol was more of a second mother to Jessica. Uncle Mike (Dee Dee) Haner of Elmira, NY was also very special to Jessica; and cousins, who were really more like sisters to Jessica, Megan and Ryan of Newton, NC; cousins, Liz and Jill Haner of Elmira, NY, who Jessica thought the world of. Jessica considered herself as Aunt Jess to Dezirae. Best friend, Courtney Weaver of Elmira, NY; along with many other close friends. Jessica was very special to all who knew her. She exuded qualities that are hard to find today. Although her years on this earth were small in numbers, she lived them to the fullest. Her interests were many and varied from simple pleasures to complex issues and her determination to understand them was unwavering. Academically, she was an excellent student, studying hard and taking much pride in her grades. She took advanced courses in environmental studies and ecology, and loved learning about the world she lived in. Studying ways to protect and preserve it seemed to fuel a passion in her. She also loved music, and though never a professional, learned to play a few instruments during her life. She loved traveling, seeing and experiencing new places and things, learning about their history and background. She liked the excitement of theme park rides, but also enjoyed just lying in the sun on a warm, lazy, summer afternoon.As a young girl she liked to ride with her father on his Harley, as well as lying on the couch watching movies on a rainy day. Her dedication to family and friends was without question, as strong as one can imagine, and the love and respect she received in return was enormous. Jessica?s time here wasn?t long, but she made the very most of it. Her love of life, determination, and strength of will has been inspiring to all that knew her. She?ll be terribly missed, but never, ever forgotten. She?ll be in our hearts forever. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY on Friday, June 3, 2005 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. The Celebration of Jessica?s life will follow the visitation with the Reverend Richard Hack honoring her memory. Interment will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at 11:00 AM in the Elmwood Cemetery, Caton, NY.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Tanglewood Community Nature Center, Inc., 443 Coleman Avenue, Elmira, NY 14905 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rochester Chapter, 550 Latona Road, Building D, Suite 408, Rochester, NY 14626. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for her family in obituaries at www.olthof.com