May 14, 1971 – June 3, 2015
Jodi passed away on Wednesday, June 3rd. Forty-four years ago she came into my life early on a Friday morning. She was a tiny bundle of energy with big brown eyes, no hair and an infectious grin. My life was never to be the the same. When she was born my life changed in ways I could not have imagined. She was inquisitive, fearless and adventurous and that would remain with her forever.
Jodi’s inquisitive spirit led her to a love of words, language, grammar and anything written. That passion led to a career of teaching others as an ESL Teacher, a Corporate Language Trainer with students from all over the world. She loved people of all ages from working with the elderly immigrants through Literary Source to currently playing with young children at Columbia Athletic Club’s Kid’s Corner. She never met a stranger. Language and meeting people from all over the world led to another passion, travel. Whether it was road trips with friends, visiting friends and relatives she was happy being on the go. She made it to Sedona, Arizona and experienced the vortexes and hiked the trails. She visited Europe and had always wanted to go back. High on her list was to experience Machu Picchu, Peru, Costa Rica and the Ukraine.
Her fearlessness was evident to all of the many activities she participated in with enthusiasm. From an early age she tossed all stuffed toys and the pillows from the sofa down the stairs and then jumped as she yelled “Whee!” That led to a lifetime of adventures. She hiked the local trails, walked the many parks and embraced nature whenever she could. White water rafting (she lost her two front teeth but went again!), kayaking, skiing, zip lining, parasailing, paddle boarding and still on her bucket list was hang gliding. I like to think she’s soaring now.
Her interests were varied. She listened to all types of music and appreciated art and art history. She made beaded bracelets, took photos wherever she went and was always open to pursuing other interests. Animals were also high on her list especially cats. Her cat Roxy was her constant companion. She loved dogs, especially taking them along on her walks.
Jodi touched many lives and it was reciprocated back to her. She lived life to the best of her ability and she still had big plans. From Jodi I have learned gratitude for everything I took for granted. Even though I am profoundly devastated and heartbroken, I remember her smile, the sound of her giggle, the twinkle in her eyes, her hugs and her saying “I Love You, Mom!”
***Anyone wanting to make a donation the following organizations were non-profits that Jodi deeply cared about.
Literacy Source, www.literacysource.org
Hopelink, www.hope-link.org