Jesse GIBB-KIMBER Obituary

Dear Jesse's family
It is with utmost sadness that I write to you to say how sorry I was to see beautiful Jesse has passed. I have tears in my eyes as I remember the beautiful young girl she was when I taught her at Tauranga Girls' College. I was Jesse's computer teacher when she was in junior school. She would come into class with the most positive attitude I'd ever seen in a young person with such a severe disability. In her wheelchair with her oxygen bottle attached to the back she would rock up to class just wanting to learn and be a part of the environment. She asked for no extras or special favours. I guess that was made me feel that she was someone so special and exceptional. I finished teaching about 5 years ago but I have never forgotten Jesse. I had often thought of her through those years and wondered how she was doing. She was a girl one could not forget. Jesse may have had a short life but she left her mark on the many people she met along the way. I think it must be due to Jesse's amazing family that she was the most exceptional girl I met in all my years at Tauranga Girls'. It must be due to her family and friends that she was so mature beyond her years, and so level headed and balanced. I can only describe her as a delightful young lady at school. I have heard it said that it is the quality of life that counts and not the quantity - I think of Jesse when I hear this quote. She was an inspiration to us all and my thoughts go to her family at this sad time. Please know that Jesse will be remembered as the darling that she was and that many tears will flow for the one who passed too soon.

Gloria Nottingham
Retired Teacher Tauranga Girls' College