Jaime was born November 21, 1976, and grew up in Island Park, New York. She was the oldest of Jim and Sue Whelan’s three children. She spent her grade school years at Long Beach Catholic Regional School. Along with the rest of her family, Jaime quickly became a fixture in the Long Beach community, developing many friendships through school, sports and community activities. She then went on to attend and graduate from Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead. After completing 12 years of private Catholic school education, Jaime decided to expand her horizons and go to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

After Jaime earned her Communications Degree from UMass, she was ready to take on corporate America. She was hired as a sales representative at TeleRep in Manhattan. She had the personality, talent, and drive to succeed at her job and steadily rose through the ranks. It was her love for her job and the people with whom she worked and interacted each day that made it easy for her. Jaime exceeded everyone’s expectations, constantly setting new standards and always retaining the loyalty of the clients with whom she worked.

Jamie’s eyes and smile lit up any room that she walked into. I’m so grateful to have been blessed with Jamie’s friendship; she always showed unwavering support for her family and friends. Jamie would be so proud to be able to touch the hearts of so many through her foundation, in a community that she held so very close to her heart.
– Heather Coster
Her success led to her earning award trips sponsored by some of the TV stations to which she sold advertising. In 2004, she was awarded with a trip to Tahiti. In 2007, she received another award trip to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Sadly, while on this trip with industry colleagues, Jaime passed away in an accident on October 12, 2007. She was 30 years old.

Jaime loved to take pictures of the sun rising and setting over the bay and ocean. For this reason, family friends have dedicated a bench in Jaime’s memory on the Long Beach Boardwalk between New York Avenue and Grand Boulevard. If you have the opportunity to visit the bench, close your eyes or look up into the Heavens and think of our Special Angel.

Although Jaime’s life was far too short, she touched the lives of so many people. She will forever be remembered for her beautiful Irish Eyes, her unforgettable smile, her warm and outgoing personality that lit up the room, and her unquestioned loyalty and friendship. She was a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, godmother and friend who will never be forgotten and will always be missed.
Jaime was a truly an amazing person to be around.