Jessica Uvalda Moreland

For Jessica with Love from

Laura Thais



JESSICA UVALDA MORELAND Was born June 1, 1990 in Socorro, NM, to Angela Zamora (Moreland) and Manuel Amaro. She grew up and lived a country outdoor adventurous life with family and friends in San Antonio, NM.  She lived with her grandmother, Frances Moreland and her grandparents, Doris and Floyd Winona, when in San Antonio, her Aunt Rose & girls, Uncle David and brother/cousin Matthew Belmontez that all loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by, her grandmother, Doris Winona and her cousin, Norma Lucero. Jess graduated from Las Cruces High and resided in Las Cruces, NM since her late teens with her beloved mother, Angela and sister Crystal Medina(Benavidez), husband Justin, nephews Jermiah, Cesar, Junior, Esteban, and beautiful niece, Jocelyn. She was very happy and proud to be an Aunty. The kids always came to mind when she considered something for herself, always.  She enjoyed being helpful with family and friends. That came natural to her. No matter how big or small the need or deed, she was happy to be included. Jessica loved life and ALL of her family/friends. Jessica stood for Peace, Love & Acceptance.  Laughter & Adventure.  Compassion, Humility & Selflessness.  Family & Friendships.  She loved when family took care of one another. From day 1, Jess was challenged to fight for her life being deprived of oxygen while in the birth canal.  Jessica had many more challenges in life, as do we all, but she always seemed to meet her challenges head on and somehow come out smiling. One of her greatest assets was being blessed with the ability to forgive, which led to always getting to have a fresh start.  She worked for a few years after high school and then the Army became her goal. At 21, Jessica’s life changed directions when cancer altered her life and made survival an ever present priority. Drs found a hernia that was later diagnosed Well Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma Cancer.  Aggressive chemo and surgery was opted.  It was a chance to prolong her life and she took it without regret. It was very tough but it seemed to put the cancer into remission. During her treatment and recovery, she met the perfect person for her and her for him, her Jacob.  Meeting through mutual friends, Jacob went to watch movies with Jess and play video games while her body began healing.   Jacob found her friendly, funny, nonjudgmental, spontaneous, great at video games (which both love), and easy to talk with. He knew what it meant to be a shut in and didn’t want such a nice person to be alone.  It turned into a romance.  Jess got better and they started their lives together, hiking, going to the movies, hanging out with friends, being with family, learning the ups and downs of relationship, capturing creatures, constant goofing around, playing music and long drives.  After about a year, she began having health issues again. This spring, she got the diagnosis her cancer was back at stage 4 and no treatment available.  She and her family and friends never gave in to the belief that nothing could be done and searched for help.  Just as they were putting her on Hospice, mother found a new Dr to take her on for hope and a chance of a cure. She grabbed that chance and fought hard. Her battle for life included tremendous effort for all the procedures, drs, hospitals, nurses, techs, tons of meds, side effects, emotions, concerns, being away from home and so much more. Jessica was valiant, humble, graceful, brave, stoic, hopeful, and had the courage of a True Warrior for two more months of life.  It was too late to kill the cancer that was growing tremendously fast.  2 years after her 1st cancer treatment, she had her last cancer treatment.  In the early morning of September 3rd, 2014, Jess left her broken body.  She was surrounded with love by her mother, sister and mother in law as they held her, loved her, blessed her, suffered for her, guided her, praised her, thanked her, and then allowed her the peace to go home and rest. No one wanted her to leave. It was a battle for all as Jess was slipping further and further.   Jess passed with honor and dignity the way she chose to, her last request before the cancer took too much.  Very peacefully, Jessica Moreland, only 24 years young, passed into Spirit and her new chapter in the realm of Light and Love began.  One day, each of us that cared deeply for you Jessica, will join you when it is time, until then, we will look for you in the stars, nature, our hearts, our memories, and you will forever be a great part of all our lives-then, now and forever!                            

Soar Free my Dear Jessica! Soar Free!