It is with tremendous sorrow that we mourn the loss of Jessica Nicole Lefere of Key West, FL. Born in Pensacola, FL on September 23, 1989, to Wendy and Patrick Lefere, Jessica lived a blessed and beautiful life, though she was taken from us far too soon.

As part of a Navy family, Jessica lived across the country, with stops in Lemoore, CA; Orange Park, FL; Bartlett, TN; and Virginia Beach, VA, where she graduated from Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School in 2008. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (Genomics and Molecular Genetics) from Michigan State University in 2012. ("Go Green, …")

Jessica was a gifted student and a talented multi-sport athlete. She consistently earned straight A's and played sports year-round, competing evenly with the boys in her early years. In high school, she was a starter for the varsity softball and field hockey teams and also cheered for the basketball team. She was also an avid reader and artist, loved Lego, animals, sunsets, the ocean and of course her Spartans.

Her professional journey was diverse. Most recently, she worked at the Square Grouper Bar and Grill in Cudjoe Key and taught pre-kindergarten at Poinciana Elementary School in Key West. At the time of her passing, Jessica was pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming a marine biologist, enrolling in college courses and earning her dive certification.

Jessica is survived by her husband, Nick Valle; her parents, Wendy and Patrick; her brothers, Justin (Amanda), Paul, and Sean (Megan); and her beloved nephews: Patrick, Avery, Riley, Jack, and Owen; and her grandmother Nancy St. John.

Though her time with us was far too short, the depth of her love and the joy she shared will remain forever etched in our hearts. Her radiant smile and infectious laugh will continue to echo in the memories of all who knew her. May the Lord grant her eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 a.m., at the Basilica of St Mary Star of the Sea, 1010 Windsor Ln, Key West, FL. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26 at Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, 418 Simonton St, Key West, FL. There will also be a celebration of life held in Michigan in the Spring or Summer of 2026.