Jennifer DeFrank

1940 - 2024

Jennifer DeFrank
06/23/2024
Jennifer DeFrank of East Haven, CT and Stuart, FL passed away peacefully on the evening of June 23, 2024. She was the beloved and devoted spouse for 37 years of James DeFrank, Jr. who predeceased her in 2020. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Brainerd, her son Anthony Marcosano, his spouse Rose and their children Anthony and Brianna, her sister Patricia Pastore, and her cousin MaryJane Scasino.
A burial will be held for both Jennifer and James DeFrank, Jr., at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven, CT on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 9:30 a.m. After the burial, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish-Our Lady of Pompeii Church in East Haven, CT at 10:30 a.m. with an informal reception following at the Foxon Volunteer Fire Dept. hall.
Jennifer was born in New Haven, CT to Concetta and James DeRose. She grew up in New Haven and graduated from Cross High School. She became a skilled administrative assistant and then a business owner and manager operating a highly successful maid business from their home, at that time, in Woodbridge, CT. Following Jim and Jennifer's retirement they moved to Cosey Beach in East Haven and to Stuart, Florida, where they lived happily for many years filling their lives with the love of family and friends. Jennifer thrived on being around people, always seeking to be where there was action. She loved dining out, dancing, music and going to movies. She especially enjoyed spending time with her daughter Cheryl and her late husband Dean Brainerd, Anthony and Rose and their children, her sister Patty and her late husband Tommy, her cousin MaryJane and her husband Nick, Jim's children, Jay, Dan, Gary, Peter, Greg, Steven, Stefanie and Polly and their spouses and children, as well as their many friends in Connecticut and Florida.
Jennifer was renowned as an avid and accomplished golfer who spent much of her time in Florida on the Hutchinson Island Ocean Club golf course with friends. She won numerous trophies and was particularly proud of having scored a hole-in-one there. She also took particular pride in her collection of fine Lladro art porcelain figurines. Jennifer cared deeply about her Riverbend community in Florida and showed it by serving as an officer on the board of directors of the Riverbend HOA for many years. She also chaired the landscape committee there. The lush, beautiful landscaping she helped create and nurture stands today as a living legacy of her devotion to her community. Jennifer led a life well lived. The love, friendship, devotion and joy she shared with family and friends made the world a warmer and better place. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.