Jessica K. (Castro) Gottsche

It is with unimaginable sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Jessica.  While doing what she loved most, spending time away with her wonderful family in Vermont, Jessica was involved in a tragic accident.  Born on February 19, 1983 to Peter and Terry Castro, in Holyoke MA, Jessica was a special light in this world and filled every room with her beautiful smile.  She enjoyed life to the fullest, filling her days by spending time with her children and engaging in her rewarding career.  Among her many loves in life were traveling to her favorite places with her family including Bar Harbor, Maine and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  She enjoyed cheering for New England sports teams and was known to catch many a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or Camden Yards.  She also loved the fair industry, traveling all over the country to take in their many sights and sounds, with her family by her side. Jessica was a 2001 graduate of Gateway Regional High School and a member of the Dana O. Webber Chapter of the National Honor Society.  She then attended Westfield State College to achieve both a Bachelor’s degree in Communications (2005) and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (2007).  After graduation, she worked as an event coordinator, group sales and concessions manager at the Eastern States Exposition, where she met the love of her life, Rob. Most recently, she worked for Baystate Health as a Talent Acquisition Marketing Specialist. She also served on the Board of Directors for the National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) as their East Council Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator.  She was very passionate about the work she did for both organizations, working from home while raising her two beautiful children.  She was the best “Momma” to her babies, always putting them first and building a strong foundation for them to grow.  They are her life’s greatest work and she was so proud to be their Momma. Jessica leaves behind her husband Rob of 10 years and their two young children, Aubrey and Robert. Jessica is also survived by her father, Peter Castro, sister Sarah Batchelor (and husband John), and her sister Kellyn Castro.  Along with her mother in law, Edith Gottsche, she also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  Jessica was predeceased by her mother, Terry (LaBombard) Castro, maternal grandparents Madeline and Daniel LaBombard, paternal grandparents Ernest and Jane Castro, and her father in law, Robert A. Gottsche, Sr.  Jessica will be greatly missed by all who knew her and all whose lives she touched. Her absence will be deeply felt.  In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.  In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill.” (unknown)Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street in Westfield.  A 2:00 p.m. funeral mass will follow at Holy Family Parish, 5 Main St, Russell.  Donations in Jessica’s memory can be made to: UMass Memorial ALS Clinic, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester MA 01655 This clinic has provided research and care over the years to members of Jessica’s family who have suffered with ALS and was an important cause near to her heart Jessica K. Gottsche Memorial Fund ℅ Westfield Bank, 26 Arnold St, Westfield MA 01085. This fund will be used to help support Jessica’s young children with the many financial needs that her family will encounter as they grow. Please help to continue building on the strong foundation she has started for them.

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