Akhil Paul, Director, Sense International India

This is indeed very sad news for all of us in Sense International family because Jessica has been our constant support since our inception in 1994 as a Department in Sense. As the Founding Trustee, Jessica has been one of the strongest pillars of Sense International and till she died she has been very active in her role. She was there when Sense thought about us and then she continued to give her time and energy to develop us into a strong organisation.

She always welcomed us, overseas team members and the participants of the Professional Development Programme and made sure that each one of us are comfortable and helping us feel at home. I don't think any of us who have worked with Jessica will ever be able to forget her warmth and compassion and her untiring commitment towards making this world a better place for deafblind people.

I very gratefully remember the comforting message she sent to all of us when the earthquake struck in 2000 and then her empowering message when I and my family were undergoing the pain of communal carnage in Gujarat in 2002.

Jessica was a marvellous, caring, selfless, hard working and unassuming person and we will miss her terribly. My heartfelt condolences to you and the grieving family and we pray that may her soul rest in peace!