Obituary of Jessie Anne DuVall

Jessica Anne (Plapinger) DuVall of Olympia, Washington, passed away December 25, 2013, from lung cancer at the age of 67. Jessie was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 1, 1946, graduated from Dykes High School (no kidding!) in 1964 and from Wesleyan College with a degree in French in 1968. She and her beloved and devoted partner of 27 years, Linda Singer, were married on January 12, 2013. Jessie is survived by her wife, Singer, and her brother, Harry Plapinger of Los Angeles, California. Jessie began her professional career working in the banking industry for C&S Bank and then Bank of America, first as a Branch Manager and then as a Human Resources Specialist. After visiting the beautiful Pacific Northwest several times, Jessie and Singer moved to Olympia in 2002. Jessie worked initially for Batdorf and Bronson Coffee, and was working at the Employment Security Department of the State of Washington in Human Resources at the time of her death. Jessie had a relentless and unique passion for life, which was reflected in her multitude of interests and activities. She had a fun and fine-tuned appreciation for art, music, and theater. She loved to garden and to spend time in the mountains and by the ocean. Whether you were one of her many close friends or someone whom she had just met, you felt as though she was riveted on your every word. She loved to travel after working and living in France and Switzerland in her early career. In 2007, she and Singer spent two weeks in Paris where Jessie shared with Singer her love of this incredible city. Jessie volunteered for many community projects, including serving as a docent on the Kennedy Creek Salmon Run for the past 12 years. She had a life-long love affair with her many cats and dogs. Her ever-present kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit to all animals, both human and otherwise, made her a very special person so many were proud to call friend. Jessie had a great sense of humor and the sounds of her wonderful laughter continued throughout her short illness as she was visited by caring and loving family and friends, as well as health caregivers. “Jess, you used your precious energy to build a magnificent life for you and me.” The miracle of Jessie’s existence calls for celebration every day. There will also be celebrations of her life held in Olympia and Atlanta with dates to be announced later. We invite friends to leave memories of Jessie or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below. Donations in Jessie’s name may be made to the following: Harmony Hill Cancer Retreat, 7362 E. State Route 106, Union, Washington 98592, www.harmonyhill.org, 360/898-2363 Dixon Animal Protection Society (DAPS), P.O. Box 96, Dixon, New Mexico 87527, www.dapsnm.org, daps@cybermesa.com, 505/579-4608