Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Jill Osterhout, and I live in Holland, PA. I grew up in the area and graduated from Council Rock High School in 1997. I graduated from Temple University with a teaching degree and Rider University with a Master’s in Reading.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married my high school sweetheart, and we’ve been married 20 years. We have three children—two living daughters (Sara and Ava) and one son (Bobby) in heaven. I lost my son Bobby when he was 15 months old. A piece of my heart is missing. We were fortunate enough to partner with the YMCA, and build “Bobby’s Playground” located next to Holland Elementary School. We are thrilled that the children of our community can play and have fun there in memory of Bobby. Also, the Holland YMCA day camp children use it all summer long.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a certified elementary teacher, and I am a certified Reading Specialist. I have been a teacher for 21 years, and I am a First Grade Teacher in Morrisville School District. The best part of my job is falling in love with a new class of students and their families. I love seeing them grasp a new concept. I also enjoy finding new and fun ways for them to learn.
Q: Please tell us a bit about your business.
I guess you can say I am an altruist; after losing Bobby, I wanted to spread his contagious smile to others. Over the past years, I have found ways to help others. Some ways were feeding the hungry in Philly, reaching out to other grieving parents, starting a monthly free community meal at Addisville Church, etc. But, my two most significant accomplishments were writing a book about surviving child loss. The book is called “Reconstructing a Broken Life: After Unspeakable Loss” I am told that this has helped so many families get through the darkest of times. The other accomplishment was adopting the unclaimed babies in Bucks County and Montogomery County. I adopted 19 babies and put them to rest next to my sweet boy Bobby at Union Cemetery. Their headstone reads “Friends of Bobby,” and I am so happy they have a resting place.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love so many, but Jake’s, Dairy Queen and Johnny Apples have all donated to my past events. Gianni’s Pizza is my favorite Friday night dinner.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Bucks County my whole life; I love being a part of this community.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is a tough one there are so many great people in this community. My pastors Doug Dwyer and Ryan Sweet were by my side during my most difficult years. Bernadette Heenan is a bright light in this community, and I am grateful for her friendship.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to travel to Hawaii. But, in reality, going to Sea Isle every weekend with family and friends this summer has been amazing.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I really don’t watch a lot of television
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind to others, you don’t know what others are going through.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to see the Northern Lights in person.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love all music
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Malala Yousafzai because of her passion for education. One of her quotes “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” All my favorite lunch dates start at Jake’s.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is that there are more good people than bad. There are so many people that are kind and helpful.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be retired and spend time traveling with my best friend and husband Bob. Looking forward to future grandchildren and family get togethers.
Q: What is something interesting that even your friends of family may not know about you?
We have a pet tortoise; he thinks he is a dog. We also have two dogs.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hayden’s House (Columbia, NJ)- a house that hosts retreats for grieving parents. It is the only place here on Earth that I can be my true self after loss.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
May is my favorite month because Spring starts and gives a sense of hope. I love Christmas, because of family, friends and Jesus. The best day is the first day of summer vacation when I have more time with my family.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My marriage, it truly has stood the test of time
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Honestly, my mom, Linda inspires me to be better. She is my biggest cheerleader and is by my side with any of my crazy ideas. She always told me I can do anything.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of a newborn baby
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, laughter and snuggles
