VINALHAVEN — Tess Joanne Reidy passed peacefully in the arms of her family on November 9th at 8 o’clock in the morning.

Born in Rockport, June 21, 2003, Tess fought her entire life against Rett Syndrome, and she won, battle after battle. Despite her short life, Tess accomplished many things. She graduated high school, fundraised for charity, and has taught students at the University of New England. Above all else, Tess is known for her big personality, sassiness, and ability to face every unknown with determination, grit, and a ferocity that could leave others speechless. Tess would want us to include that though she was nonverbal, she had mastered the art of always getting her opinion across with just a look.

Along with family and friends, many of Tess’s accomplishments are due to the commitment of Sheila Franklin and Lindsay McCracken, two of Tess’s nurses who believed in Tess’s abilities and took the time and effort to understand, care for, and love Tess in ways that allowed her to thrive.

It’s not often in life that you get to be in the presence of someone who could still find such joy in the little things, like a good movie, snuggling under a warm blanket with a loved one, or listening to a great song with friends and family. Tess knew that real joy could be found in the simplest things and brought everyone around her into that joy.

Tess is survived by her parents, Charlie and Joanna Reidy; sisters, Blake Beckman and her husband Bobby Beckman, Ellie Rogers and her husband TJ Rogers; nephew Gavin and niece Aurora; as well as grandparents Lee and Ann Osgood, and Kevin and Ellen Hopkins. She is also survived by many extended aunts, uncles, and cousins. Last but certainly not least, Tess is survived by her beloved service dog Oreo, who provided her with so much unconditional love and comfort.

The Reidy family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Tess’s pediatric medical team at Maine Health as well as to her pediatrician, Dr. William Stephenson, and her island physician, Jennifer Desmond. There are no words for how much their unwavering guidance and support throughout Tess’s life has meant to us.

A celebration of life will be held for Tess in the summer of 2025. We look forward to sharing memories with anyone who wishes to join us.

If you would like to donate in memory of Tess, please consider supporting The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Development Office, MMC, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102; or Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, 66 Mussey Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Tess’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.