Jennifer Fontecchio

My deep condolences to Jenny’s mother and father and to her husband. Jenny was a role model to all students who wish to be involved in school activities. I was her high school speech coach and director of forensics who witnessed first hand her ability and talent to achieve status as one of the top IHSA verse reader/competitors in Illinois. I witnessed a family who supported their daughter unconditionally and helped to change the landscape for all students who want to be involved in school activities. Jenny’s mother was a constant present to help her daughter succeed, attending the 18 pre-state series tournaments at high schools throughout northern Illinois annually throughout her four high school years along with the state series tournaments to which Jenny qualified. Jenny was highly respected by her team members and when Jenny won first place at an away tournament that didn’t have accessibility, her entire team awaited outside the awards auditorium until Jenny received her award. Jenny’s enduring spirit infused everything she did and can serve as a model on how to live one’s life fully. God Bless You, Jenny. My prayers are with you and your family.

Jen mentored me so much while I was in high school (I'm 5 years younger than she is).  She gave me so much life advice that I still use to this day.  I think of her often and have missed her for the years that I haven't seen or spoken to her. I will continue to miss her for the rest of my life.

Jen is the one that helped me develop an appreciation for mushrooms.  I still think of her frequently explaining "Mushrooms are my meat" when I make mushroom dishes.  She also really opened my eyes to issues of accessibility. I used to see those buttons to open doors and such as helping with accessibility until I went with her on a trip into Chicago when she was interviewing for a job and found out just how many of those buttons were placed too high for her to reach.

I taught a college class for years that taught future medical professionals, nurses, physical therapists and dentists, and part of that class was building awareness, sensitivity and understanding.  I shared many things that Jen taught me with that class.  I like to think that the things I learned from her helped to raise awareness in far more people than she realized.  Providing her with the fake-but-looked-real-until-you-read-it parking tickets that she could put on cars that parked in ways that blocked her from being to get in or out of her van, and getting to see what fun she had and the reactions she got to the first one she used will stick with me forever. 

Jenny was my speech partner Junior year of High School at Naperville Central -- our scene was from Untamed Heart (she played the Marisa Tomei character) and -- certainly far more due to her than me - we started crushing it and winning/ranking at tournaments. I learned so much from her about acting, theatre, film and we had some great memories.  I was so sad to hear this but grateful that Andy D'Arata shared his stories and memories about her - and how much she meant to him.   She will be truly missed. 

I remember Jen well, we both lived in Green Trails and I loved coming to her house for fun. May her memory be a blessing.

We want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Lots of Love from Aunt Bärbel, Uncle Wolfgang, Manuela, Claudia and Holger with Lioba and Felicitas

I'm so sorry to hear of this.  I was in the 5th grade with Jenny at Steeple Run Elementary in Mr. Micensky's class.  Just now, by some random chance, and image of her popped into my head, and I quickly googled her and saw this.  I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.  My condolences!

You are an inspiration to us all. Love you very much. Aunt Jane and Uncle Dave

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.