09/18/2026
Vanessa Bautista Obituary
Vanessa Bautista, age 24, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Vanessa was born on September 9, 2002, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Samuel and Claudia (Rodriguez Gomez) Bautista. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Estela Gomez, and grandfather, Luis Rodriguez.
Vanessa leaves behind her loving parents, Samuel and Claudia Bautista; her beloved sons, Jaire Maki Ham and Jessiah Mazi Ham, who were truly her entire world; and her sisters, Jocelyne Ciesielski, Michelle Bautista, and Sammi Bautista. She also leaves behind her nieces, Khaleesi Ciesielski and Leihlani Cervantes, as well as her soon-to-arrive niece, whom Vanessa was already eagerly anticipating. She would tease her sister Michelle, telling her to “hold it in” and not let the baby be born on her birthday.
Vanessa’s greatest joy in life was being a mother. Her sons were her entire world, and she loved them with all her heart. She was devoted to making sure they were cared for, happy, and never went without. She was a loving, protective, and devoted mother who would always find a way to make things happen for her boys. The love she had for Jaire and Jessiah was unconditional, and they will forever carry the love she gave them.
Vanessa also cherished spending time with her family. She was often the one making plans, gathering the children and nieces together, and creating memories that will be treasured for years to come. She especially enjoyed spending time with her little sister Sammi, and many memories were made together at one of their favorite restaurants, Bowl of Pho.
Vanessa was a proud daddy’s girl and never hesitated to show it. She and her father, Sam, shared a special bond that could never be broken. She held a deep love for her father, and their relationship was a beautiful reflection of the love they shared.
Her mother, Claudia, was not only her mother but also her best friend and confidante. Vanessa knew she could always turn to her, no matter what. Her parents supported her throughout her life and were always there for Vanessa and her boys. Although Vanessa was independent and rarely asked for anything, she always knew that if she ever needed help, her parents would be there without hesitation. Their love and support were a constant source of comfort in her life.
Vanessa shared an equally special bond with her sisters. Through all of life’s moments—the laughter, disagreements, jokes, memories, and countless experiences—they remained connected by a love that could never be broken. Vanessa was an important part of what made their family whole, and her absence has left an emptiness that can never be filled. Her family will forever feel the loss of the piece of their hearts that went with her.
Those who knew Vanessa will remember her for her beautiful soul, her honesty, her warmth, and her ability to make people feel welcome. She was never afraid to speak her mind or tell it like it was. Whether meeting someone for the first time or spending time with lifelong friends and family, Vanessa had a natural way of connecting with people. She could fit in anywhere and had a way of making people like her, trust her, and appreciate her for exactly who she was.
Vanessa brought laughter wherever she went. Family gatherings were never complete without her jokes and playful teasing. She loved joking with her cousins, and you had to be ready because she was a firecracker ready to roast them. She had a special relationship with the children in her family, who lovingly knew her as their “cool T**i.” She adored them, and they adored her in return.
One of the things those who knew Vanessa will remember most was her laugh. Her laughter was genuine, joyful, and contagious. Once Vanessa started laughing, it was nearly impossible for those around her not to laugh with her.
Vanessa touched the lives of many people, and the love for her was made especially evident during the difficult days following her disappearance. An entire community came together to search for her, pray for her, share her story, and support her family. Our family will forever be grateful to every person who stood beside us and showed Vanessa the love she deserved.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the community for everything you did to help bring our beautiful Vanessa and her best friend, Alexa, home. This is not the way we ever wanted them to come home, and our hearts will forever be broken by the circumstances of their passing. Yet, after the days of uncertainty and searching, we are grateful that they are no longer missing and that we can now lay them to rest surrounded by the love of their families and friends.
Vanessa will be deeply missed by her parents, children, sisters, nieces, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her memory will live on through her sons, the family she loved so dearly, the laughter she shared, and the countless memories she leaves behind.
She was a beloved daughter, devoted mother, cherished sister, loving T**i, cousin, and treasured friend. Above all, Vanessa was deeply loved.
You were loved. You are loved. And you will never be forgotten.
Rest peacefully, Vane. We love you forever.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 from 2:00PM - 8:00PM at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd South Bend, IN 46619. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00PM, Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at St. Adalbert Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend, IN.
If you know our family, you know it is difficult for us to ask for help from others. At this time, we are not asking for money or donations. However, if anyone has already organized or accepted donations or fundraisers in honor of Vanessa Bautista, they may be made to “The Bautista Memorial Fund.”
We also understand that it is common to send flowers during times like this. If you choose to send flowers in Vanessa’s honor, we kindly ask that you consider sending pink flowers, as pink was her favorite color.
Thank you for your continued love, support, and kindness toward our family during this difficult time.
