Our beautiful girl, Jessica Nicole (Fortuna) Mulvihill, went to rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord on May 20, 2026, surrounded by the endless love of her husband and family as she was finally given the peace she so deserved.

Jess was born in Heilbronn, Germany on March 31, 1985, though for years she lovingly convinced her husband, DJ, that she was born in Stuttgart. It became one of those funny little Jess stories that perfectly captured her playful spirit and sense of humor. She had a way of making people laugh effortlessly, and even in the hardest moments, she could still bring light to those around her.

She spent her early years living in Virginia and West Virginia before moving to Toms River, NJ in 1993, where she grew up and formed the lifelong friendships that became family.

Jess was truly one of the kindest people anyone could ever meet. She was funny without trying, endlessly compassionate, welcoming to everyone, and carried a positivity that made people feel safe and loved. Her smile could change the energy of an entire room, and her laugh was unforgettable. Whether you knew her your whole life or had just met her, Jess made you feel important. She loved deeply, gave endlessly, and left pieces of herself with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She eventually moved to North Jersey for a new chapter and worked as an office manager for Del Vecchio Metabolic Institute. Before that, she spent years working in restaurants and bars both down the shore and up north, creating friendships everywhere she went. Her final bartending job was at Valley Brook Bar in Wayne, NJ, where she met the absolute love of her life and soulmate, Daniel “DJ” Mulvihill.

The love Jess and DJ shared was undeniable and rare. Anyone who saw them together understood immediately that they were meant for one another. They married on December 15, 2018 surrounded by the people they loved most, beginning the beautiful life they had always dreamed of together.

In early 2020, Jess and DJ purchased their first home in Pompton Lakes, where Jess poured her heart into every little detail, turning their house into a warm and beautiful home filled with love. Later that same year, on Christmas Day, they welcomed their son, Ryder, the greatest joy and proudest accomplishment of Jess’s life.

Being Ryder’s mother was everything to her. He was her pride and joy, her heart outside of her body, and the center of her world from the moment he was born. Jess adored every second of being his mom, the cuddles, the laughter, the holidays, the milestones, the quiet moments at home, and simply watching him grow. She spoke about Ryder with a love so deep it could be felt by everyone around her. No matter what she was facing, Ryder gave her strength, purpose, and happiness. Her greatest wish in life was to give him a beautiful childhood filled with love, and she did exactly that.

Shortly after marrying the love of her life, purchasing their first home, and welcoming their son Ryder, Jess was faced with an unimaginable battle that she fought with incredible strength, humor, and grace for the next four and a half years. Through every treatment, setback, and difficult day, Jess continued to fight with everything she had, especially for Ryder and DJ.

And through it all, DJ never left her side. He cared for Jess with every ounce of love in him, standing beside her not only as her husband, but as her caregiver, protector, best friend, and soulmate. Their love only deepened through the hardest years of their lives and remained the center of Jess’s world until her final breath.

Jess will forever be remembered as the most loving wife, devoted mother, cherished daughter, protective sister, proud aunt, loyal friend, and beautiful soul to everyone blessed enough to know her. She loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and gave so much of herself to others without ever asking for anything in return.

She is reunited in heaven with her adoring grandparents, Lawrence and Bertha Bisset, Robert and Carol Lightbody, and her beloved dog, Chubbs.

Jessica leaves behind to love and miss her until eternity her husband and best friend, DJ, and their precious son Ryder; her loving parents, James and Lisa Fortuna; her sister Amy and fiancé Scott Rochester; her brother Daniel; and her adored nephew and niece, Royce and Reyla.

She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, incredible in-laws — Steve and Sue Mulvihill, Ellen and Steve O’Shea, Kevin and Melanie, Nick and Annie, Anthony and Meagan, Alicia Mulvihill — nieces and nephews Phoebe, Leni, and Anthony, countless lifelong friends, and all those whose lives were forever changed simply by knowing her.

Because of the incredible amount of people who loved Jess and the countless lives she touched both down the shore and up north, two celebrations of her beautiful life will be held. Please feel free to attend both if you are able.

We invite everyone to join our families in celebrating Jess’s life:

Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Packanack Lake Clubhouse

52 Lake Dr W

Wayne, NJ 07470

and

Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The Clarion Hotel

815 NJ-37

Toms River, NJ 08755

To know Jess was to love her. She was truly one of a kind, and the love, laughter, strength, and light she gave this world will live on forever through everyone fortunate enough to carry her memory.