Meet Jade
Jade Kouretchian lived with fearless joy. She moved through the world with courage, humor, curiosity, and creative expression — fully awake to beauty, connection, and possibility. Adventurous by nature and guided by a playful zest for life, Jade lived in a manner that turned ordinary moments into something unforgettable.
To those who knew her, Jade was a bright light. Her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and full body hugs made people feel seen, valued, and completely at ease. A self-described “old soul” and “Gypsy of the world,” she carried wisdom beyond her years and possessed a rare gift: the ability to exponentially increase the odds of other people smiling merely because she entered the room.
Raised among the surf and sun of Encinitas, California, Jade had a beach girl vibe. She carried this with her to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where she studied Economics and Philosophy — a reflection of both her analytical mind and her contemplative heart. She later continued her educational journey at the University of San Diego School of Law on a full merit scholarship, growing not only as a scholar, but as a thoughtful and compassionate human being.
Ever since Jade was a little girl, however, she seemed to sense that her time here with us physically would be cut short. So, she sought to live fully in every moment.
“I’m excited for this life and to live 100%, presently, lovingly, PASSIONATELY.
Do it…
Do it with passion or not at all.”
Just a few months after she wrote the passage above to herself while studying abroad as a third-year law student in Barcelona, Jade began to feel unwell. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and, tragically and suddenly, passed away while holding her Dad’s hand and thinking of her happy place, Hanalei Bay, Kauai.
Today, friends and family alike keep Jade’s adventurous and playful spirit alive by living fully and passionately throughout every moment of life. They “Live Like Jade” by having fun now, and by sharing random acts of kindness and joy with strangers.
Often the first person (and sometimes only person) on the dance floor, almost nothing stopped Jade from ensuring that NOW was the best time to play:
“They think you’re weird if you don’t dance. They think you’re weird if you do dance. So, well, you might as well dance!”
Wherever Jade is today, she too, is likely dancing…. Are you?
