Jessica Dolores Paulino

Jessica Paulino, a woman whose heart was bigger than any room she ever walked into, passed away on September 1, 2026, at the age of 44. Born on May 1, 1982, Jessica made her home in the City of Rochester, New York, where she spent her life loving people fiercely, laughing often, and giving away more of herself than most people ever think to offer.

Those who knew Jessica will tell you that she was loving, giving, and compassionate in a way that never seemed to run dry. She was loyal to the core, the kind of person who stayed when others drifted away. She had a goofy sense of humor that could turn an ordinary afternoon into something worth remembering, and she was never too proud to be silly if it meant making someone smile. Above all, Jessica was non-judgmental. She met people exactly where they were, without asking them to be anything more. She would give someone anything she had, even if it left her with nothing, and she did so without hesitation or expectation of anything in return. She loved kids, and she loved life, and both of those loves shone through everything she did.

Family, for Jessica, was defined by love and loyalty. She shared her life with her longtime boyfriend, Robert Hilliard, who knew better than anyone the depth of her devotion and the warmth she brought to every day they spent together. Her best friends, Rhiena and Heidi Russell, were her chosen sisters, the people she laughed with, leaned on, and showed up for time and again. She held a special place in her heart for her nephews, Joey and Sammy. Her love of children found its fullest expression in them, and she treasured every moment of being part of their lives. To each of these people, Jessica was a constant source of comfort, humor, and unconditional love.

For many years, Jessica worked as a waitress, and it was a role that suited her generous spirit. Waiting tables is work built on caring for others, on noticing what people need and making them feel welcome, and Jessica brought that same attentiveness to everyone she served. Over the long span of her working life, countless people sat at her tables and left a little lighter for the encounter. Yet the role she filled most naturally was that of a friend. She was, quite simply, the best friend anyone could ask for, steady and true, always ready to listen and always ready to help.

Jessica's greatest companion on four legs was her beloved dog, Fanny. Fanny was family in every sense, and the bond between them was a reflection of Jessica's boundless capacity for love and care.

She was happiest by the water, and the beach held a special place in her heart. There was something about the sand, the waves, and the open sky that seemed to match her free and joyful spirit. Beyond the shoreline, Jessica loved anything outdoors. Sunshine and fresh air were where she felt most alive, and she embraced every chance to be out in the world.

Perhaps her truest passion, though, was helping people. Jessica cared deeply about those around her and offered her help without judgment, never asking whether someone had earned it. To her, kindness was simply the right thing to do, and she lived that belief every single day.

Jessica was the most beautiful, amazing, big-hearted woman, the best friend and partner anyone could ever hope to find. Losing her has left a void in so many people's lives, one that will be felt for a long time to come. Yet the love she gave so freely lives on in Robert, in Rhiena and Heidi, in Joey and Sammy, and in everyone fortunate enough to have known her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.