Jessica Terese Rodriguez

Jessica Terese Rodriguez, 36, born on August 18, 1976, in Lynwood, California at St. Francis Hospital, passed away December 10, 2012 at City of Hope Hospital. She resided in Cerritos, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.

Everyone who met Jessie, loved her immediately. Her bright smile and sincerity won the hearts of family and friends. She loved and had an individual appreciation for each and every person she met. However, there was no one she loved and respected more than her brother Emiliano.

Jessie attended St. Aloysius Elementary School in Los Angeles and Pius X High School in Downey where she excelled academically and athletically. Jessi was accepted to the University of California at Berkeley and received a Bachelor's Degree in Folklore and Mythology. Jessie was planning to attend graduate school and receive her Master's Degree in the same field.

She was a brilliant woman impressing her professors at the university. Many of those professors encouraged Jessie to continue her studies and attain her PhD. Jessie put herself through college and upon completion of her Bachelor's Degree Jessie returned to her home in southern California.

She was adventurous and loved trying new things such as snow boarding, drumming, sewing, knitting, martial arts and boogie boarding. When she returned to southern California Jessica began Juijitsu martial arts classes and quickly attained her blue belt. She then enrolled in dance classes and was asked to participate in performances. Her dance instructor loved Jessica's passion for dance as well as her commitment to perfecting her skills.

Jessica is survived by her mother Marilynn Hughes, her brother Emiliano Rodriguez and her stepfather Dale W. Hughes, Jr.

When Jessica was faced with illness she looked to traditional and alternative medicines. Never stopping her research on the subject and questioning every doctor. Jessie fought and fought the disease and continued to fight until God took her up. I was told by Jessica, let no one say she lost any battle.