It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jessica Ann Pye, 38, on July 28, 2023. She left us after an incredibly courageous battle with the very rare Kohlmeier-Degos disease. Jessica’s strength and resilience throughout her journey was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Jessica was born on June 22, 1985 in Seoul, South Korea, came to Camden SC at the age of 3 months, and grew up in Chadds Ford, PA attending the Kennett Schools where she met her husband Justin Pye (both KHS ’03). She had a love for animals fostered at the Fairville Early Learning Center. In high school she excelled in math and was an avid reader. Two voyages with Semester at Sea gave her a global perspective and an appreciation of cultures worldwide. With her two siblings, it was an active household until they all moved on to college life.
At the University of Pittsburgh, Jessica earned B.S. in Mathematics and Economics with a minor in History. She attended graduate school in Atlanta and received a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems and M.A. in Economics from Georgia State University. A true achiever, Jessica was an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University - W. P. Carey School of Business in Tempe, AZ. Her contributions to research and her exceptional teaching skills earned her admiration within the local and international Information Systems community. Jessica cared deeply about her students and was a driving force in fostering a supportive community for doctoral students and junior faculty.
Jessica lived life to the fullest, exploring the world through her travels, immersing herself in horseback riding, laughing with her friends, finding joy in her beloved cats and expansive LEGO builds, delving into ancient history, and dedicating herself passionately to her work, and always sharing her love through amazing home cooked meals. Above all, she treasured the time spent with Justin and their beloved son Ethan, 9, who was the light of her life.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who provided support and to the exceptional medical teams at the NIH, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Virginia Piper Cancer Center, and Mayo Clinic Hospital and the work of the Steffens-Scleroderma Foundation. Thanks to their efforts, we were given the gift of additional time with Jessica and will forever cherish those memories.
She is survived by her husband, Justin and their son, Ethan of Chandler, AZ, her sister, Julie Ann Kanara (husband Kenneth) of Scottsdale, AZ, her brother, Justin Haedrich of San Diego, CA, her parents, John and Barbara Ann Haedrich of Chadds Ford, PA, and her goddaughter, Savannah Gowdy of FL.
Jessica's family has arranged for the main Visitation and Celebration of Life for all of those traveling to be held in her hometown of Kennett Square, PA on Friday, August 25th and Saturday, August 26th.
Saturday, August 26th Visitation: 10:00 - 11:00 am Celebration of Life: 11:00 am Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts are available near Kennett Square and Chadds Ford.
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