Jessie VanVorhis

Jessie Kerani Aleya VanVorhis, an amazing blaze of energy in a small body, passed away December 29th, 2022 at the age of 35. Jessie was born in Calcutta, India and died on Whidbey Island, Washington. Her special powers were her electric joy and ability to connect with people.

Jessie faced the challenges of her life with humor and fierce determination. She was born with Morquio’s Syndrome and was proud of her identity as a little person and a person with disabilities, which led her to a full life of connection and joy. She was an integral part of many organizations, most notably Little People of America, the DO-IT program at the University of Washington, Friendship Adventures, Special Olympics.

Jessie came to Seattle when she was adopted at one-year-old. She attended Orca Elementary School, Meany Middle School, Ballard High School (Go Beavers!) and programs at Bellevue Community College and Shoreline Community College. She lived for many years in her own apartment in Wallingford, was well known in that community, and continued to call herself the Mayor of Wallingford forever. She worked at Archie McPhee, the Wallingford QFC, World Market, Li'l Kickers, Key Arena (Go Storm!), Lumen Field (Go Seahawks!), and Vans.

Jessie loved to travel to regional and national gatherings of LPA, which were the highlights of her year. The next best thing was hanging out at the mall with her friends. She was fanatically devoted to Hello Kitty, Russell Wilson, Darth Vader, and John Cena. Jessie also loved going to live WWE, Monster Truck Shows, Sing-along Sound of Music, Pug-O-Ween, and the rodeo, particularly bull riding events.

She is survived by her loving mothers Linda Vorhis and Stephanie Van Dyke; her sisters Morgan, Naomi, and Maimuna; important family members Kitty, Adair, Yarrow, Jody, Teri, Dan and Bernie, Jason, Nate, as well as other aunts and uncles, cousins, her three much-loved nephews, and, of course, her bunny Tulip. She will be missed by all her multitude of friends from every part of her life.