Charismatic, inventive, loving, heartfelt, compassionate
Always smiling, Jenna had a gift for making people feel truly seen, valued, and loved—each person as though they were her best friend. She also had a soft spot for both animals and people in need, providing nurturance and encouragement to help them move forward. Drawn to adventure and adrenaline, Jenna loved the outdoors—skiing, showing horses, riding snowmobiles, and driving fast cars. A gifted writer, artist, and photographer, Jenna communicated her thoughts and feelings eloquently through a variety of creative outlets.
After graduating from high school, Jenna and her best friend, Fiona, traveled around the world, staying in hostels in Dubai, Germany, India, Greece, and Turkey. Upon returning home, she began attending Johnson State College to embark on her dream of becoming a psychiatrist. However, after one semester, addiction disrupted that path and prevented her from continuing her education.
Even in her struggles, Jenna held tight to her circle of eight inseparable friends from high school, Fiona, Lilly, Ashley, Meg, Riley, Jasmine, Tori, and Julie, who proudly called themselves “Jenna’s Posse.” They delivered eulogies at her funeral, were her pallbearers, and are the keepers of her memories. Friends from recovery, Kaylea, Bee, and Mickey, stood by Jenna during difficult times and credited her with keeping them in the program. To this day, all of Jenna’s friends remain connected with her family.
Every year, Jenna and her Nana traveled to New York City to see shows. She loved spending time with her brother, Gregory, his wife Amy, and nephew Eisen, whom Jenna adored. Her dad, Greg, remembers days skiing together, followed by Peppermint Patties to satisfy Jenna’s sweet tooth. Her mom, Dawn, treasures memories of Jenna walking along the roadside and picking wildflowers to bring home. Once, instead of flowers, Jenna had found an injured owl that she rescued and brought to the vet. Dawn especially misses her daughter’s daily phone calls, their shopping trips, and the quiet moments they spent watching television side by side.
Family vacations were also a source of joy and treasured memories. One especially meaningful trip was to Costa Rica. At first, Jenna’s father was reluctant to go, concerned about safety, but he eventually joined to “protect” Jenna and her mom, who had already decided to make the trip. The trip was so special that the family purchased a home there, returning each year to spend a month together.
Over time, the disease of addiction consumed Jenna’s life. She spent time in multiple treatment centers and was often sick from drug-related illnesses. “It took her heart and soul away, and she became someone that we did not recognize when she was using drugs,” her mother stated. “We couldn’t save her—the disease owned her and stole her spirit.”
Even in her own struggles, Jenna had a unique ability to guide those affected by substance use disorder toward hope when they could not find it themselves. After Jenna’s passing, the family faced a choice. “We decided as a family that we could do nothing and be consumed with our grief, or do something to help others,” Dawn said. “Jenna had an emotional connection with people that inspired others to follow. Her adventurous spirit helped people be resilient and view challenges as opportunities for growth, inspiring hope and optimism.” Jenna had her family promise her that they would help others enter treatment and spread awareness about substance use disorder. They have carried forward her wishes with “Jenna’s Promise,” a nonprofit they created to break down barriers to addiction recovery, just as Jenna had always planned to do.
Jenna’s mother, Dawn Tatro, provided the information for this narrative.
August 3, 1992-February 15, 2019-Age 26
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
