NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Jessica McGrath Richard (Carlin) passed away on February 7, 2025. She lived most recently in Monroe Bridge, MA. Jessica was born on May 6, 1975 in Little Falls, NY, to John R. and Elaine E. Carlin of Salisbury Center, NY.

Jessica graduated from Dolgeville Central High School in 1993.

She attended St. Lawrence University, graduating in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in English. She was active in her sorority, Chi Omega. While at St. Lawrence, Jess spent a semester studying in London, where she was able to enjoy the sights of the city, weekly theater productions, and had a chance to travel around the United Kingdom. It was a special time in her life.

Jessica married Chad Richard of North Adams, Ma., in a ceremony in 2005 in North Adams, Ma. They had two daughters, Molly and Hadley.

After graduation, Jessica worked several jobs before joining Storey Publishing in North Adams, where her love of books and literature flourished as she worked directly with authors looking to publish their work. She was an avid reader throughout her life.

Jessica dearly loved her two daughters and enjoyed visiting the family hobby farm in Salisbury Center, NY where her girls adoringly referred to their grandparents as Babu and Noni. They took many long rides in Babu’s John Deere Gator.

Jessica had many friends who remember her as having a “wicked” sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She met people easily and made them feel welcomed. She was loyal and protective of her friends and family, and her smile could light up a room. She never held back with gratitude or love, and people were drawn to her kindness and compassion.

She had a particular knack for keeping house plants, in particular, orchids and a Christmas cactus that had been in the family for four generations. A lifelong animal lover, she delighted in the company of her dog, Chloe.

She is survived by Chad, and daughters Molly and Hadley; parents John R. and Elaine E. Carlin of Salisbury Center, NY; brother John, and sister-in-law Mary of Roanoke, Va.; father-in-law Wayne Richard and mother-in-law Marilynne Beaulieu; nephews Jonathan and Benjamin Carlin of Roanoke, Va., and Tyler Carlin of Chesapeake, Va.; cousins Michael Pratt, Will Pratt and Nathan Pratt of Bernardston, MA.; cousin, Daniel “DJ” Carlin of Anthem, Az., Wendy Brown of Raymore, Mo. Cathleen Heenan of Lee’s Summit, Mo. and Susan Cottle of Manhattan Beach, Ca.

She was preceded in death by sister Kathryn “Katie” Carlin of Salisbury Center; grandmother Margaret Pratt and grandfather Louis Pratt; grandmother Esther Carlin, and grandfather John H. Carlin; uncle D. William “Bill” Pratt; uncle Daniel Carlin and cousin Gregory Pratt.

A celebration of life is planned in Salisbury Center in mid-2025.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Salisbury Historical Society Frisbee House at Post Office Box 476 Salisbury Center, NY 13454. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com