Obituary of Jessica L. Leichtweisz

In Loving Memory of Jessica Leichtweisz It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jessica Lindsay Leichtweisz, a beloved daughter, sister, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for the autistic community. Jessica's legacy is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making the world a more inclusive, loving, and accepting place for all. Born to proud parents, George and Joanne, Jessica was also a loving sister to her brother, Ryan. She was a proud mother to her cherished, furry companions, including her loyal dog, Lucky, and her beloved bunnies, Sly and Grace. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Louis and Marie Leichtweisz, and maternal grandparents, Anthony and Faye D'Arminio, both of with whom she shared uniquely intimate bonds and loving childhood memories. Jessica was a dedicated and compassionate Board Certified Behavior Analyst, specializing in teaching autistic children. She has been practicing since 2008. Her work was her passion, and her mission was to empower and uplift the lives of those she touched. For over seven years, she worked with "The Center for Autism and Related Disorders." Later, Jessica was pivotal in launching the southwest division of the ABA company, Path 2 Potential, in Arizona. Jessica even helped to oversee the yearly tennis summer camp for kids with Autism in Palm Beach, Florida, under Path 2 Potential and Love Serving Autism. Her outreach and impact are unmatched in her field. Jessica was an entrepreneur, as the Founder and CEO of Hope Education Services, an organization dedicated to helping families affected by autism by providing information that is easy to understand and apply. She was also a published author and mentor, producing study guides and video series for future behavior analysts studying to take the ABA exam. Raised in the beautiful mountains of northern New Jersey, Jessica graduated from West Milford High School, where she was an honors student and was the first chair clarinet player in the band. She furthered her education by earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from Manhattanville College and continued her post-graduate studies in applied behavior analysis from Kaplan University. Jessica always enjoyed the shore at the D'Arminio family beach house in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, where she spent memorable moments with all her extended family. She was often the life of the party, getting everyone up to dance or to sing along with the Italian classics and patriotic anthems. In her pursuit of personal happiness and fulfillment, her adventurous spirit led her and her pets on a cross country road trip when they relocated from New Jersey to Arizona in 2020. Jessica spent the past three years residing in the serene landscapes of Scottsdale. There, she found solace and joy in the great outdoors, often engaging in activities like hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and yoga. Jessica founded a hiking club which now has over 1,000 members. Her connection with nature was an extension of her desire to find peace and happiness in the world around her. Jessica's strong faith was an integral part of her life, and she was an active member of her local church. Her spiritual journey provided her with strength and solace during times of challenge and adversity. Tragically, Jessica's life was cut short on October 27th in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 37, following a courageous battle against brain cancer. Throughout her fight, Jessica remained an inspiration to all who knew her, displaying resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. The Leichtweisz family will be receiving visitors at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, on Sunday, November 12, from 4:00 – 8:00pm. The funeral will begin from Gentile Funeral Home on Monday morning, November 13, at 10am and will conclude at Hackensack Cemetery. In honor of Jessica's memory and her love for the great outdoors, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the family to dedicate a memorial along one of Jessica's favorite hiking trails in Arizona and on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk at the Jersey Shore. These lasting tributes will serve as a reminder of her enduring legacy. Jessica Leichtweisz touched the lives of many with her kindness, dedication, and the impact she made in the world of autism education. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as her legacy of love, acceptance, and advocacy continues to inspire us all. May her soul rest in eternal peace. To send condolences, get directions or for further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com