Jenna Leigh Vial

Jenna Leigh Vial passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and friends, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 49 years and 249 days. To know Jenna was to know someone who embraced every single day with passion, purpose, and love. Born on Friday, February 27, 1976, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Deborah and David Vial, Jenna grew up with deep roots in her faith, her family, and her community. She was a proud resident of Hammond, Louisiana, where her legacy will forever live on.

Jenna is survived by the loves of her life – her husband, Michael Wille; her children, Jacie Leigh Bellina, Braden Michael Bellina, and Julia Claire Bellina; her stepdaughter, Chloe Wille; her parents, David and Deborah Vial; her brothers, David Vial II (Donna) and their daughters Aubrey and Allie, and Colin Vial (Shonti) and their son Halston. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, forty-one cousins, and countless dear friends who were touched by her generous spirit.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Loretta Vial and Brewster and Myrt Dittmer.

Jenna's faith was a guiding force in her life. A lifelong member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, she attended Holy Ghost Catholic School, Hammond High School, and Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned both a B.A. and a Master's Degree in Education.

Her devotion to education was extraordinary. Jenna's career spanned roles as classroom teacher, Administrative Assistant, Pre K–2 Curriculum Facilitator, and Assistant Principal. Her journey culminated in her most cherished achievement – EARNING the role as Principal of Hammond Eastside Elementary, where her leadership, warmth, and vision shaped the lives of countless children and families.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jenna's greatest joy was her family. She treasured vacations and gatherings and most recently, a family reunion in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi this past July, where every member of her family came together. She prioritized creating memories, instilling values, and ensuring her children knew how deeply they were loved.

Even while bravely battling cancer, Jenna's heart remained turned outward in service to others. Earlier this year, she organized the "Glo Walk" fundraiser, raising critical funds for the Corporate Angel Network, which provides free flights for cancer patients traveling to treatment. Having benefited from this program herself, Jenna was determined to give back – a reflection of her selflessness and resilience. In return for her extraordinary altruism, Corporate Angel Network awarded Jenna the "Fearless Fighter Award" and she was recognized as Patient of the Year.

Jenna never met a stranger. She lit up every room she entered with her kindness, laughter, and unwavering energy. She loved her community deeply – whether through her lifelong sisterhood in Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, the adventures with her beloved "Fab Five", the joy of her Pokeno group, or the many circles of friendship she created simply by showing up with her authentic, radiant spirit.

Her light and legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, Jenna requested that donations be made to the Northshore Community Foundation "Stronger Together With Jenna Fund", with proceeds directed to the Corporate Angel Network.

Family and friends are invited to honor Jenna's life during visitation on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday, October 10, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 600 North Oak Street, Hammond, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am.

Interment will take place at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum.