Jill Reisz Westlund

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jill Reisz Westlund on Saturday, November 30, 2024, just one day before her 49th birthday.

Jill is preceded in death by her mom Joy Reisz.

She is survived by her devoted husband Nils Westlund, their beloved 13-year-old son Jackson Westlund, both of whom were the light of her life. Her love for her family extended to her cherished greyhound Firefox, her Rottweiler mixes Coco and Lele. She is also survived by her father Mike Reisz; brothers: Don Repella and his wife Deb, Chris Reisz; sister Kirsten Sanchez and husband Roy.

Born on December 1, 1975, in Odessa, Texas, Jill lived a life full of love, creativity, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Jill was a passionate animal advocate, rescuing and adopting greyhounds. As a voracious reader, Jill loved literature, including poetry, and foreign and American literature. Jill’s deep appreciation for culture and the arts enriched her life and those around her.

A free spirit with a fun-loving nature, Jill’s adventurous personality was balanced by her fierce independence and strength of will. She had a philanthropic heart, extending her compassion to everything from animals and plants to the earth and its environment. Her generosity and empathy touched countless lives.

Professionally, Jill served as an urban planner at Sandia National Labs for almost 10 years, where her creativity and dedication left a lasting impact. Her work was a reflection of her desire to shape a better, more sustainable world.

In 2020, Jill faced a serious diagnosis with courage and grace. Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic, always looking toward the future with determination and resilience. She was a fighter until the very end, embodying the strength and love that defined her life.

Jill will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a caring daughter and sister, and a loyal friend. Her compassionate spirit, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering love for her family and the world around her will be deeply missed but never forgotten.