Jessica Ann Racine

Jessica Ann Racine, age 37, passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes on May 14, 2026, after a lifelong battle with lupus that began at the age of five. Though her health journey was often difficult, Jessica faced life with remarkable strength, grace, compassion, and an unwaveringly kind heart.

Jessica was born on October 21, 1988, at Huron Valley Hospital in Oakland County, Michigan, and was raised in Waterford, Michigan. She later attended William Henry Harrison High School in West Lafayette, Indiana, before pursuing her passion for nursing at Purdue University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. During her time at Purdue, Jessica found tremendous joy as a member of the world-renowned Purdue “All-American” Marching Band, proudly performing in the snare line. Music, percussion, and the camaraderie of the marching band remained some of her happiest memories and greatest passions.

Jessica devoted her professional life to caring for others as a nurse at Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Nursing was far more than a career to her — it was her calling. She deeply loved her work and believed it carried great purpose and meaning. Jessica especially enjoyed teaching and mentoring young nurses, helping guide and encourage them as they began their own journeys in healthcare. Her compassion, patience, humor, and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on countless patients, coworkers, and friends.

Outside of work, Jessica found peace and happiness in the simple things she loved most. She enjoyed kayaking on the lake behind her home, spending quiet time outdoors, and caring for the feral cats in her neighborhood. Jessica had an enormous heart for animals and devoted much of her time and energy to helping and protecting cats in need.

Those who knew Jessica will remember her beautiful smile, quick sense of humor, caring nature, and the warmth she brought into every room. She was sweet, funny, compassionate, and deeply thoughtful — someone who made people feel safe, cared for, and understood. Her nieces and nephews held a very special place in her heart, and she treasured the time she spent with them.

Jessica is survived by her father, David W. Racine; her stepmother, Barb Racine; her brother, Roger A. Racine and his wife, Sarah Racine, along with their children, Leah, Anna, and Ellen; her sister, Jean M. Prahm and her husband, Ryan Prahm, along with their children, Alana, AJ, and Kate; and her sister, Christine L. Greig and her husband, Matt Greig, along with their children, Noah, Owen, Asher, and Lily. She is also survived by many extended family members, dear friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Cathleen Jane Racine.

Visitation for Jessica will be held on Saturday, May 23, at Coats Funeral Home in Clarkston, Michigan. Family visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with visitation open to all guests from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A private burial service for close family will follow.

Memorial donations may be made in Jessica’s honor to Cats At Large, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for and supporting feral cat populations at https://www.catsatlargemke.org/donate. Jessica’s love for animals, especially cats, was a deeply important part of who she was, and supporting this cause would be a meaningful way to honor her memory. Flowers can be sent with Waterford Hill Florist & Greenhouse via website https://www.waterfordhillsflorist.com/ or by phone at (248) 623-0081.

Though her time here was far too short, Jessica’s kindness, compassion, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.