In Loving Memory of Jessica N. Viergever of Morton, Illinois
April 15, 1997 – May 12, 2025
With hearts full of sorrow but also deep gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with her, we remember and honor the life of Jessica N. Viergever, who passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was only 28 years old—a life far too short, but one that was full of compassion, creativity, and quiet strength.
Jessica’s departure leaves an unfillable space in the lives of those who loved her most, especially her devoted mother and beloved grandfather. Their loss is immense, but so too is the pride they feel for the woman Jessica was—gentle-hearted, artistic, and endlessly kind.
A Gentle Soul With a Fierce Love for Animals
From a very young age, Jessica had a natural affinity for animals, especially dogs. She didn’t just love them—she connected with them, understood them, and treated every animal she met with tender care and respect. Her love for dogs wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling, a central part of who she was.
Many recall how her eyes would light up at the sight of a dog needing love or companionship. Whether volunteering at shelters, helping a neighbor with pet care, or simply cuddling her own furry friends, Jessica’s heart always had room for four-legged companions. Her connection to animals was as intuitive as it was deep, and countless creatures were better off for having known her.
Creativity That Flowed From the Heart
Jessica’s talents weren’t limited to her bond with animals. She was also a gifted creator who found joy and expression through crafts. Whether it was scrapbooking, making jewelry, hand-painting décor, or crafting heartfelt gifts for loved ones, her hands seemed to bring beauty into everything they touched.
Her creative spirit was not just about the art itself—it was about sharing love. Each project she made was a reflection of her thoughtfulness and her ability to see beauty in the world around her. To those who received one of her handmade creations, the item became more than a gift—it became a treasured keepsake, a piece of Jessica’s heart.
Loved by Family, Cherished by All
Jessica’s family was her anchor, her source of strength, and her greatest pride. She shared a particularly special bond with her mother and grandfather—bonds rooted in unconditional love, support, and countless shared moments. Their lives were intertwined with hers in the most meaningful ways, and though her physical presence is no longer here, the love they shared with Jessica endures.
Her gentle nature extended beyond family to friends, neighbors, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Jessica didn’t seek the spotlight. She led with kindness, spoke with sincerity, and loved without limits. Her calming presence and quiet strength will be missed more than words can express.
A Community Gathers to Remember
Jessica’s passing has stirred profound grief, but also immense love, across the Morton community and beyond. To honor her life and legacy, a memorial service will be held on May 15, 2025, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home in Morton. It will be a time for family, friends, and all who knew her to gather in remembrance, to share stories, and to celebrate a life that brought so much light into the world.
In this time of mourning, the outpouring of support from the community has been a powerful reminder of how deeply Jessica touched the lives around her. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit, her love, and the quiet way she made the world a better place will continue to live on in each of us.
In Closing
Jessica N. Viergever’s life was a beautiful mosaic of kindness, creativity, and compassion. Though her journey ended too soon, the legacy she leaves is lasting. Her love for animals, her creative gifts, and most of all, her gentle, generous heart will never be forgotten.
We take comfort in knowing she is at peace, embraced in the eternal warmth of love, and free from pain. And as we remember her, we carry forward the lessons she taught us simply by being herself: to love deeply, to create boldly, and to care endlessly.
Rest peacefully, Jessica. You will be forever loved, always remembered, and deeply missed.