Jill.... One of the most beautiful things about Jill was her incredibly nurturing and gentle spirit. Being in her presence when things were ever 'not quite right', or talking with her on the phone or even through email always made me feel better. Just another one of her special gifts! She took such good care of those she loved.... her family, her friends, her animals.... When we lived together in Jackson Hole, Mike and Jill's dog Stella was living out her last days on earth. Very near the end of Stella's life, Jill and I decided to take a road trip to California for spring break. The trip wasn't only for us, it was for Stella! Jill truly wanted her to have one last harrah. It was an amazing trip; we camped each night, played outside and spent as much time barefoot as possible (I'm sure many of you remember Jill's feet always being dirty), sang as loud as we could to mixed tapes in the car (lots of James Taylor and the Dead) with the windows rolled down. Stella had a good time too; a renewed sense of energy as we strolled the beaches with her. Each night Jill would whip up a special dinner for Stella... she cooked for her (on the camp stove) brown rice, meat, eggs, and sometimes she threw in a little fresh garlic. Seriously, Stella ate much better than we did. I remember thinking back then, "wow, Jill is going to be a fabulous mom one of these days." Stella passed on soon after that trip and Jill delighted in knowing that she did indeed enjoy one last harrah. Now that I think about it, it's almost like she was never really 'of this world' at all. What a gift for us all to have had her in our lives, short as the time may have been she certainly blessed us all with her nurturing spirit and love.

I had the wonderful opportunity to grow up with Jill in Mattapoisett. I will cherish the memory of playing Dukes of Hazzard during recess in Mr. Spark's Kindergarten Class. I will cherish the memory of playing MYAA basketball with her. My father remembers her as a great Basketball player. I will cherish the memory of our 5th Grade Talent Show where we and a bunch of our friends lip sang to Debbie Gibson... Jill you played an awesome fake guitar. I will cherish the memory of seeing you every so often after College and you being the very same soft spoken wonderful girl I grew up with. As I await the arrival of my first child... I hope and pray that I can be the kind of Mother you are... Caring, Loving, Selfless, and compassionate. You, your two beautiful children and handsome husband will be truly missed in our community and our hearts.

......and I've seen rain, I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end, I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend, But I always thought that I'd see you again. In the summer of 97', I set out on the road with four virtual strangers (Ratter, Benj & Bug) to see some music and do some camping. I came home two weeks later with three new best friends. Since that time, I've shared so many amazing experiences with both Mike & Jill. They are on a very, very short list of the most incredible souls I have ever met. The world was a better place because of them. We love you & will miss you more than words can tell!!

My first memory of jill takes place my junior year and jills sophmore year of highschool... it was a half day at whiteboys in which we shared many laughs.... One of the laughs happened when Jill and I spent about an hour pretending to film a tomato soup infomercial.... Our friendship only got stronger from that say forward... I am honored to call you my best friend... I love you...

Late afternoon..... Jill at the beach, looking like she had just stepped off the cover of a movie star magazine.....this was three days after the arrival of baby Bryce. The common thread that runs through these heartfelt tributes is the love, respect and admiration that everyone had for Jill and Mike. Let us all praise and give thanks to the Schuessler and Casey families..... It is because of their love, support and strong values they instilled in their children, that we all became the beneficaries of of knowing such an amazing couple.

I knew Jill from grade school and junior high. I have fun memories from playing basketball with her and how well she played. Jill was always such a nice person and friendly to everyone. She was a beautiful person on the outside as well as inside. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families and she will never be forgotten.

How terrible. Mike and Jill were amazing people doing amazing things. I'll never forget how kind they were. They made this world a better place and were loved by everybody they met.

When I think of Mike and Jill ... I can't help but think of how perfect they were together. Mike such a strong spirit and Jill the kindest. Perfect