Jessica “Jess” Marie Oswald, 34, of Macungie, died April 28, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, Allentown. She was the loving fiancee of Brian Kepley. Born in Norway, Maine, she was the daughter of James Oswald and Kristina (McBride) Root.

She graduated from Emmaus High School in 2007 and later earned her CNA and teaching certification from Lehigh Carbon Community College.

She worked as a CNA for Bayada Home Care Health before becoming a Pre-K teacher at First Impressions Child Care Center, Macungie.

She loved being with her children and family. They were the most important things in her life. She also enjoyed spending time at the beach and the family’s Adirondack cabin.

She is survived by her fiance; mother; father; stepmother, Edyie; children, Madelyn, Natalie, Austin, Alyssa and Kiera; siblings, Matthew and his wife, Susan, Brandon Root, Regina Saylor and James Saylor and his wife, Kaitlin; many, many cousins; many loving aunts and uncles; paternal grandparents, Richard and Judith. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, John and Ellen McBride; stepfather, Ricky Root.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.