So, Steve and family, death in all honesty is not something I do well with, especially with someone I grew up with, loved, and adored. The memorial service you had for her was one of the most moving and beautiful I have even seen. I have been pondering on this ask from you Steve to share a memory for weeks because I had no idea what to share because I could probably write a book.
Tonight, it dawned on me that there is that one true thing; all the crazy we went through, Jenny was always the voice of reason. I have so many stories of where we were close to "trouble" that she made sure we were not in "trouble", or maybe just taking care of me and Hid because we were the crazy friends. These stories are going to be left to bed (not in writing) as our kids need to think we are perfect adults. If you ever want to hear a few reach out to Hid and I - we will share :) and would love to laugh with you on memories.
My first memory of Jenny was with her and Carol for Girl Scouts, she heated up Pepsi instead of drinking it cold. The lesson was to try things diffently. It has stuck ever since.
Love you all! Hid and I getting the tattoo soon.
Sue Moran

Lisa Ash
I will share two quick stories. First, Jennifer and I both had young girls with curly hair. (I have straight hair.) When we were talking years ago about curly hair, she glanced at my four-year-old's fuzzy hair, and kindly said, "You know not to brush curly hair after it is dry, right?" I did not! Years later, my girls would note which photos were pre-Jennifer advice (fuzzy hair) and post-Jennifer advice (a bit better!). Second, Jennifer was nice enough to train with me for a half-marathon about 6 years ago even though she was obviously faster than me. During our runs, we talked about our kids, parenting, the news, and just life. One day, she said, "I don't judge moms. Every kid is different, and everyone is going through something. You just don't know it." It was so true and so refreshing to hear that. And so Jennifer. It stuck with me, and I have thought of it a hundred times.

Finally, I want to share a favorite poem -- that also makes me think of Jennifer.

Late Fragment by Raymond Carver

And did you get what
you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself
beloved on the earth.

Jennifer was cheated of so many years, but she was clearly beloved.

Jennifer was my sister-in-law...Steve is my little brother. There are so many stories about Jen I could write about, but for now I'll pick just one.

My dad was getting married this particular day in 2008, and Steve and Jen were staying with us. We had just had a renovation, and I hadn't gotten clothes back into my closet. Jen overheard my panicky tone and said "I brought two dresses - try them on and wear whichever you like the best and I'll wear the other one. So I was thinner then, and both fit me, so I picked the one I liked best and wore it. I forgot to mention that I was IN the wedding...I stood up for my dad at the ceremony.

This was vintage Jennifer - always calm, always kind, never pretentious, and with such grace and ease that allowed me to say "yes, thank you" and wear her dress without guilt. I am certain this story comes as no surprise to anyone who knew Jen. She taught me so much without realizing it, and I will continue to take pages from her book as long as I am blessed to live.

Got to know the Galluzzo family through church Coming of Age - fond memories of each of them. Got to sit in the soccer and vball stands for a while pre covid. Judy says that Jennifer was instrumental in helping her develop and appreciation for the game of soccer. A class act ❤️❤️

I knew Jennifer primarily through church and Cowles Montessori, where we had kids around the same age that were both active in church and school events.

It was around that time that I started one of my more idealistic ventures. It was a children’s audiobook publishing company inspired by experience as a parent and an interest in children’s literacy and culture.

It did well with professional reviewers and a small but loyal group of parents, but ended up getting swamped buy the coming wave of digital entertainment options and wasn’t a financial success.

From the beginning Jennifer was interested and supportive in this effort. At church she stopped to ask questions about the stories we were publishing, how the audiobooks were produced, and the general plans for the business.

She bought copies of the first batch of CDs we published, and later came back and bought more. She helped promote the CDs to friends on social media.

I know Jennifer was a busy and caring person and probably supported many efforts around her that she believed in, so this may not even stand out for her. But it’s in those times, where you feel like the underdog fighting an uphill battle, that you remember the people that support you. I will never forget her thoughtful support, and her example has inspired me to pass on that consideration to others when I get the opportunity.