Visitation at Funeral Home
Mass
Obituary of Jennifer M. Giardina
Jennifer was born on October 11, 1967 in Philadelphia, Pa. but she spent all of her childhood years in Glen Cove, NY. At the age of two and a half she suffered her first seizure and thus started a lifelong struggle with trying to control recurrent seizure activity. The resulting effects of these uncontrolled seizures and the medication she had to take to control them clearly diminished her intellectual capabilities and left her somewhat limited. Despite this, Jennifer maintained a positive and happy attitude and was unrestrained in her ability to show love.
In 1986 Jennifer became part of the Mary Haven Community and moved into a group home with 9 other “special needs” individuals. At Mary Haven and with the support of her family, staff, and partners in the community Jennifer was able to enjoy greater independence, individuality and socialization. Mary Haven helped Jennifer blossom and grow into a caring and loving individual.
Jennifer loved playing games on her iPad, especially word searches. She loved watching old TV shows-a habit she learned from her grandmother. Shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza and Texas Walker Ranger were her favorite. She loved her family and enjoyed the time she spent with them, especially her nieces and nephews.
In August 2022 Jennifer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a particular unrelenting illness, to which she succumbed on October 21, 2022, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her mother, Victoria Grella, sister, Keri Sawyer and husband Todd Sawyer, brother Michael Giardina and wife Melissa Giardina and sister-in-law, Lori Ann Giardina. Jennifer was pre-deceased by her brother, Jeffrey Giardina. She is also survived by 6 nieces and nephews, Alexa and Matthew Skrapits, Christian and Justin Giardina, Rigby and Rhea Giardina.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be sent to:
Maryhaven Center of Hope
51 Terryville Road
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
