Dr. Jessica L. Hurwitz, 74, of Rome, New York passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2026. Jessica was born in New York City on December 1, 1951. She is preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Sam Hurwitz, her brother Jonathan Hurwitz, and her longtime feline companions Groucho and Mr. Bear.

Jessica graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Pre-Med from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, completed her medical degree at Albany Medical College, and served as an academic and clinical attending physician for New York Medical College and Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Dr. Hurwitz was certified by the American Board of Surgery and had over 40 years of surgical experience, advancing the field of laparoscopic surgery and blazing a path for women surgeons across the U.S. Jessica often traveled for work, as far as Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and most recently worked at Rome Memorial Hospital.

Affectionately known as Dr. Mom, Jessica is survived by her two children; Max (Karmen) Cantor of St. Louis, Missouri and Leon Cantor of Medina, Ohio, a host of close friends, and colleagues around the world.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on a date to be determined in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jessica’s memory to CancerCare (www.CancerCare.org/donate-now).

Dr. Hurwitz will be missed dearly, but she will always be remembered for her kindness and her love of, and dedication to, the field of medicine.