Jessica Leigh Zortman, 39, passed away peacefully at Erie County Medical Center on August 26, 2024 with her loving family by her side.

Jessica was born with Spina Bifida and was not expected to live more than a day. Her life was a whirlwind of hospital stays, dozens of surgeries, heart failure, dialysis, a kidney transplant and so many other trials. She proudly remarked that she "proved all the doctors wrong."

Despite her ongoing health issues, Jessica graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 2004. She dedicated her time on ECMC's transplant unit, visiting patients recovering from life-saving surgeries which she herself received in 2014. An animal lover, she spent time volunteering at the Niagara County SPCA. She also participated in fundraisers to benefit the Buffalo Zoo, her favorite place to visit.

Jessica will be remembered by her kind, gentle soul as well as her sense of humor. Her sharp-witted comments often took people by surprise. She loved to laugh. Jessica smiled her way through all of the adversities life handed her and rarely shed a tear in pain, fear, or disappointment. She accepted everything she faced with utter grace. She holds a special place in the hearts of all the people she graced with her presence.

Jessica is survived by her siblings, Matthew and Natalie (Robert Swartz, NFFD) Licata; her niece, Evelina Swartz; as well as her aunts and uncles, Robert (Jeannine), Joseph, and Mary Dembek and Diana (Michael NFPD, Ret.) Kachurek. Jessica was predeceased by her parents Kathy (Dembek) and Samuel Licata, her grandparents, and great aunt Eileen Trainor with whom she shared a special bond.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30 from 10 - 12 Noon at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin at 12 Noon. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial offerings in Jessica's name may be made to the Buffalo Zoo at buffalozoo.org or ConnectLife at connectlife.org.