Josh Liljenquist's Cousin

Alyssa Timmerman

Alyssa Timmerman, formerly Alyssa Westcott, is Josh Liljenquist's maternal first cousin. Born only weeks apart and raised nearby, they grew up more like siblings than cousins.

Born about three weeks apart and raised only a few houses from one another in Fairmont, Josh and Alyssa grew up more like siblings than cousins.

More like siblings than cousins

Josh and Alyssa were born about three weeks apart, attended the same grade, shared friends through senior year, and lived only a few houses apart in Fairmont. Josh says they spent nearly every day together during the first 13 years of their lives.

Julie and Carrie alternated caring for the children, which meant their connection was built through ordinary daily life, not just holidays. Josh remembers building forts with a card table and blanket, then watching Disney movies inside.

Alyssa and Josh together as young children in Fairmont. Born only weeks apart, the cousins spent nearly every day together during much of their childhood.
Josh and Alyssa together as young children in Fairmont.
Josh and Alyssa together at a childhood family event, part of the many shared experiences that led Josh to describe his cousin as more like a sister.
Josh and Alyssa at a childhood family event.

Growing up and finding her path

Alyssa grew up in Fairmont alongside Josh and later became a nurse. She also played varsity volleyball and girls golf while attending Fairmont High School.

Shared family life

The two families took yearly vacations together, often to Florida. Josh remembers the group sharing games, movies, friends, normal childhood disagreements, and the closeness that made him naturally protective of Alyssa.

Josh says they occasionally bickered like siblings but remained inseparable despite ordinary childhood disagreements.

Josh and Alyssa during their teenage years. Their relationship was built as much through ordinary time together as through holidays and family events.
Josh and Alyssa together during their teenage years.
Josh and Alyssa together during one of the family trips and gatherings that became part of their shared childhood memories.
Josh and Alyssa together during one of the family trips and gatherings that became part of their shared childhood memories.
Josh and Alyssa with members of the close cousin and sibling group that grew up together through holidays, vacations and everyday family life.
Josh and Alyssa with their close childhood cousin group.

Care and determination

Alyssa became a nurse. Josh believes the profession fits her caring personality, work ethic, and willingness to help others. This profile does not present informal family health conversations as medical advice or treatment.

Josh admires Alyssa's laid-back personality, ability to laugh things off, dedication, and willingness to try new experiences.

Family photographs

Josh and Alyssa together during their Fairmont school years in 2014. They were in the same grade and continued sharing many of the same friends through high school.
Josh and Alyssa during their Fairmont school years.

More about this story

Family ties

A larger family legacy

Read Legacy of Service for the broader family story and People Who Shaped Josh for this growing collection.