Jessica Helen Pagliuca passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 2, 2026, eight days before her 48th birthday.
Jess was dearly loved by family and friends, who will miss her kind and gentle spirit. She never ceased to surprise us with her creativity, most often presented as gifts for those she loved. She took great pride in her son, Khalil, who brought great joy to her life.
Jess devoted her life to working with people, young and old. As the Albany, N.Y., YMCA’s afterschool program director, she earned national accreditation for her program. And, as the activities director at Mansfield Place, she enhanced the program with her enthusiasm and organized numerous activities to bring the community together. During COVID-19, she would take the time to visit people individually in their rooms to stave off loneliness, playing games, painting nails and making sure no one felt forgotten.
It was always a joy to see her come through the door with her cheery “Hellooooo!” and a warm hug. At her mom and dad’s home, she would visit their gardens and loved creating beautiful bouquets. Jess loved family gatherings and cherished our family’s connection, especially at Thanksgiving, when she always encouraged everyone at the table to share what we were grateful for, and, for her, it was always family.
Jess loved music, and we will miss the way she could harmonize beautifully with any song.
We will miss you forever, dear daughter, mother, sister, auntie and friend. May you rest in peace.
Family and special friends include her son, Khalil Young; parents, Lee and Sam Hemingway of Hinesburg, Vt.; brothers, Joshua Pagliuca and his partner, Allison Fode, of North Ferrisburgh, Vt., Amos and his wife, Paula Hemingway, of Jericho, Vt., and William Hemingway of Burlington, Vt.; sisters, Melody and Carly Pagliuca of Burlington; aunts, Donna Pagliuca of San Marcos, Calif., and Dolores Gentner Ryan of The Villages, Fla.; uncles, Robert Gentner of Lady Lake, Fla., James Hemingway of Shrewsbury, Mass., and Gerry Hemingway of Lucerne, Switzerland; cousin, Jordan Hemingway of London, England; and special friends Kathy Anderson and Beth Kilduff of Leeds, Mass., and Derek Fagan of Burlington.
An event to honor Jess’ life will be held at a later date.
This article appears in July 15 • 2026.
I will miss the way you could make me laugh regardless of what kind of day I was having. I went through some of my hardest most stressful times with you but you always lifted me up. I appreciate you as my friend and now my angel . Fly high beautiful girl.. You will be missed by many but never forgotten by so many more !! 🙏🏼🪽
To Jessica’s family,
I had not seen Jessica in many years. I remember lots of laughter, dancing and singing in our younger years. Sending your family lots of love, cherish the wonderful memories and the joy Jessica shared with all of us.
Best,
Diana