Assembly Resolution No. 1012 BY: M. of A. Santabarbara CELEBRATING the life and legacy of Jessica De Marco, a dedicated Hope House Counselor, at the Empire of Hope Scholarship Kick Off event on March 21, 2024 WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Jessica De Marco was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Jessica De Marco, noting the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Born April 12, 1990, at Bellevue Hospital in Niskayuna, New York, Jessica De Marco died on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the age of 32; and WHEREAS, Known for her compassion for all people, Jessica De Marco always put others before herself, dedicating her life and career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) for over seven years; and WHEREAS, For five years, Jessica De Marco worked for Hope House, an organization dedicated to providing services to those who suffer from the disease of addiction; in that time, she touched countless lives and was a fierce advocate for clients, as well as a mentor and friend to staff; and WHEREAS, Jessica De Marco was a knowledgeable and skilled clinician and genuine in her love for work and belief that recovery was attainable for everyone; her quick wit and frequently unfiltered thoughts were a welcome reprieve during the workday and her presence made an often tireless and thankless job fun and enjoyable for her coworkers; and WHEREAS, Today, in recognition of Jessica De Marco's steadfast and unwavering dedication to Hope House, a scholarship was created in her name to help deserving individuals further their education; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary young woman was also passionate about preserving her Italian family's heritage and culture; she was always the center of laughter, music, food, and family gatherings; and WHEREAS, A beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, niece and granddaughter, Jessica De was dedicated to caring for her parents, grandparents and other relatives that needed help or just needed company, especially to share homemade Italian escarole and beans; she also absolutely loved children; she adored her nieces, Sofia and Madeline, as though they were her own children; and WHEREAS, Jessica De Marco is survived by her parents, Joseph and Josefina (Pina) DeMarco; siblings, Dan (Gina) and Christopher; nieces, Sofia and Madeline DeMarco; and grandmother, Luisa Caporas; she is predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Felice Caporaso; and paternal grandparents, John and Guiseppina DeMarco; and WHEREAS, Jessica De Marco's infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Jessica De Marco leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate the life and legacy of Jessica De Marco, and to express its deepest condolences to her family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Jessica De Marco.