Jessica Kozlen passed away on November 1, 2022 after a 16 month battle with cancer at the age of 31. Her last days were spent surrounded by friends and family and she passed in the presence of her fiancé Nick Martin.
Jessica was a proud teacher who received a degree in education from Central Missouri State University (2014), and a masters in education from Southeast Missouri State University (2020). Jessica taught Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) at Northwest High School in House Springs where she was a beloved member of the staff by students and faculty alike. Jessica continued teaching throughout her treatments until her illness would no longer allow it.
Jessica leaves a large network of friends she enjoyed spending time with who often spoke of her big heart and kind nature. She created community wherever she went, even making numerous friends at her chemo treatments on top of the myriad relationships she formed in her personal and professional life. Jessica always stayed in close contact with countless family members near and far, always willing to reach out and say hi.
Jessica had a passion for travelling and visited dozens of countries. Some of her trips included leading school sanctioned travel to foreign countries with her students who speak fondly of their travels together, even many years later. She was able to take one final trip to Spain & Portugal in the summer of 2022 thanks to her cousin, Kelly Kozlen.
She was very excited for her upcoming wedding scheduled for March of 2023. She was with her fiancé for 11 years, including their engagement last year.
Jessica is the youngest child, survived by her parents Karen Brown Kozlen and Wayne Kozlen, her sister Kimberly (Brian) Kozlen Gilmore and family, her brother Stephen (Sarah) Kozlen and family. Jessica also leaves behind her fiancé Nick Martin, and his parents Cindy Schmitt Martin and Ronald Martin, who all adored her. Jessica has 5 nieces who will miss her dearly (Leah, Emily, Claire, Harper, & Astrid).