Farewell Jess

We received some shocking news at our family dinner about the passing of someone we knew. Even though we didn't know Jess Hosking too well, we remembered her and her family, as her parents used to teach us swimming.

Jess was a year younger than Aonghas, and went on an OE to France. She somehow got sick though and passed away in her sleep.

While we weren't that close to Jessica, we knew of her and had met her once or twice, and her parents had taught us swimming when we were much younger.

It's really sad, especially when the life of someone as young as Jessica passes. I'm sure she made the most of what time she had on Earth though, and it's very obvious she left her mark!

Some excerpts from the media:

Mrs Hosking said her daughter lived life to the fullest.
"She loved life, she enjoyed it. Anything can be achieved if you believe - that was her motto."

- NZ Herald

Piha Surf Life Saving president Peter Brown says Jess never backed away from a challenge.
"No matter how big the surf was she was in there – even if I was worried.
"She was brave, tough and silly."
Jess was one of 16 lifeguards involved in the rescue of a man in heavy surf at Piha in 2008.
The man was brought to shore unconscious but survived. The life savers won the club's rescue of the month award.

 - Western Leader