Jessica Joelle Macfarlane Holt passed away on May 18, 2025, at the age of 52 after a hard–fought battle with pancreatic cancer. 

She was born on November 13, 1972, in La Jolla, California before moving to Stockton, California. Her family settled in Denair, California where she was raised, and she spent her adult life in Turlock, California.

Jessica met her husband Jeff the “traditional” way, on Match.com. They would have celebrated 18 wonderful years of marriage on June 7th.

Together they were raising two amazing children, Garrett and Lauren. Jessica loved her children deeply and was a constant source of support,advice, and encouragement. 

She also instilled in them her joy of flowers, gardening, ladybugs, decorating, celebrations, and living life to the fullest. Jessica made it a point to attend every school and sporting event to support her kids.

Jessica graduated from Turlock High School in 1990 where she was a student athlete and participated in many extracurricular activities. 

Jessica attended Fresno State, and like her mother Emmy Macfarlane, began a career in education that would last 28 years. During this time, she also earned her master’s degree in education to pursue her goal of becoming a school administrator. 

The joy of teaching eventually led her back to the classroom and when Turlock started its first Transitional Kindergarten Program, she was instrumental in leading the way. She spent the rest of her career in the classroom with her “kids” until she was just too sick to continue. 

It was a common occurrence to run into many former students and parents while out and about in Turlock. She always had time for a hug and a chat, a true testament to the love she brought to the classroom and her students.Everyone who knew Jessica would agree that she also had an honorary PhD in decorating for the holidays, birthdays, or any celebration no matter how big or small. 

This talent took a keen eye for detail and the necessary assortment of decorations to accomplish the feat. Halloween and Christmas were her favorites, and her family has vowed to keep those traditions going.

A celebration of life is being planned to honor Jessica and celebrate the amazing person she was on October 4, 2025, at Turlock Golf and Country Club, time TBD. 

She made it clear that she wanted margaritas on the rocks, a nice Manhattan, her favorite wine, and pastries from Olde Tyme bakery.

Jessica was preceded in death by her mother Emmy Macfarlane. She is survived by her husband Jeff, children Garrett and Lauren, and her father and brother Peter and Curtice Macfarlane. 

She is loved by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, and former students. 

In–lieu of flowers please consider a donation to aid in the creation of the Jessica Joelle Holt and Emmy Macfarlane Memorial Scholarship Foundation, more information to come.

A special thank you to the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff at Emanuel Cancer Center and Covenant Care in Turlock, you gave us the gift of at least an extra year with our girl.