Jennifer Elizabeth Modarelli
Jennifer Elizabeth Modarelli
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Jennifer Modarelli Obituary
Jenny was the first daughter of Dr. Robert and Carolyn Modarelli, born in Kearney, NJ on August 30, 1966. She is dearly loved and survived by her sons, Cooper DeVoe (wife April) and Joe DeVoe, her grandson Giovanni, former spouse Paul Swortz, her mother and her five siblings, and was fun "Aunt Jen" to her 14 nieces and nephews.
The second of six children, Jenny was always the ringleader and "director" of family fun, from holiday pageants to New Year's Eve dance routines. Determined to succeed, she pursued her goals with hard work and passion. Whether on the tennis court, ski-slopes, hiking trails or in the boardroom, she was always on the go - a driving force of energetic enthusiasm which regularly inspired those around her to achieve their potential.
She was a Bellarmine Preparatory School Class of 1984 graduate and went on to attend Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, receiving a degree in Business and Accounting. She began her career, working her way up in Fortune 500 accounting firms - paving the path for women in business by challenging boundaries in the professional workspace.
Her professional accolades were eclipsed only by the birth of her two beloved sons, Cooper and Joe. Relocating to Portland, Oregon, Jenny left corporate America, determined to create a work place that embraced people, pets and family as a core value. She realized that dream and built and ran White Horse, a successful multimedia agency, for 18+ years.
In recent years, Jenny spent her time and energy advocating for pets, and her home was always open and welcoming to animals in need of shelter. She had a huge giving heart and great desire to help others in any way she could.
She will be missed, and her memory cherished with great love by all of us, her family and many friends.
Jen's life will be celebrated by her loving family in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to:
The Oregon Humane Society in the donation box below
or go to: https://oregonhumane.tfaforms.net/forms/view/33
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Kimberly M. Hartnett
August 22, 2023
I had the good fortune to work for Jenny some years ago. I well remember her intelligence and devotion to her children. When I had a shocking loss of a member of my family, she was kind and supportive in ways I have never forgotten. My heart aches for her sons, other family members, and her many friends. A lovely human. Rest in Peace, Jenny.
Shannon Schiller
June 10, 2023
She will be remembered for her big heart.
Karen
June 8, 2023
Karen
June 8, 2023
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Karen MacAnally
June 7, 2023
Karen MacAnally
June 7, 2023
Karen MacAnally
June 7, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear about Jenny. I remember her mostly from the Oakbrook Swim and Tennis Club. She was my tennis coach there. I have fond memories of those days with the Modarelli family. I looked up to Jenny. She was so confident and fun, a born leader. I remember her Golden Retriever puppy too. Thanks for all the fun memories. I´m sorry you had to leave so soon.
I went through pictures and found this one Stacie and Jenny.
Love you, Lynners
June 7, 2023
I miss you so much and I can't believe you are gone. My heart will hurt for a long time. I know you are at peace, but I miss you terribly. Love you forever and always Jen.
Walter Jackson
May 31, 2023
I'm was so sorry to hear of Jenny's passing. It's been quite some time since we were in touch, but I've never been able to think about my high school days without thinking about Jenny. She was the one who introduced me to the Stones, Beatles, The Who, Bowie, etc. Not that I really had a choice, since she controlled the cassette player in the carpool, but I do think of her whenever I hear them :)
I was surprised to see in her obituary that we're so close in age, since she always seemed like my high school mother giving me a ride to school everyday! I see the pictures posted here with a mix of sadness and warmth. Sadness for such a loss. Warmth because she was clearly always surrounded by love and support. The same love and support that I know she gave to all who knew her. Although we lost touch over the years as people tend to do, I can't help but feel that I miss her.
I'm so happy to have known you, even for a short while and will always remember you and smile. Off now to dig up those Who and Bowie cassettes..
With love,
Walter
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Paul Swortz
May 29, 2023
Re-connecting with Jenny after 30 years was an unexpected gift for us both. Our time together was too short, but I am eternally grateful for the happy years and experiences we shared.
I will miss you forever.
I love you, Jenny Modarelli.
Mom
May 28, 2023
Pictures above that I treasure of my beautiful little daughter...my vibrant teenager...at her graduation...the devoted and proud mother of my two wonderful grandsons...a talented and sharing career woman...a loving and supportive sister to her two sisters...and three brothers... and always and ever my life's joy and dear friend. My heart will always be flooded with joyful memories of you, my "Jemmy".
Mom
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Gary and Susan Abel
May 28, 2023
We remember Jen as a woman who could quickly fill a room with enthusiasm and lively conversation. Her spirit will forever be in our memories.
Ami Martin
May 28, 2023
This is a beautiful tribute to a women who knew how to live fully. Jen hired me at White Horse in 1998 and served as a mentor and inspiration to me and the whole WH fam. Jen's love for children and pets was contagious. At the agency, it was common for 5-6 dogs to show up, and at the first Macadam office, she named a conference room after her beloved "Bird Dog".
Jen converted the sauna there to a lactation room when many of us started having babies. She welcomed our families on site and Joe and Cooper would visit often. Jen started an annual Halloween party and brought in a jumpy house. As the agency became a dominant force in the early digital landscape, Jen made sure we still had fun and celebrated our collective wins.
Jen's leadership was innate. A text book Leo that client's flocked to. She blogged for Ad Age 'Small Agency Diary' for 3-4 years after we sent a $90 turducken with a clever note to the managing editor. Jen's creativity and drive was balanced with a zest for life that few can achieve.
It was a true honor to know Jen.
Lynners
May 27, 2023
Fly away Blue Fairy. I miss you and love you forever twinsie. . I´ll see you in the mornfall.
Christine Trowbridge
May 26, 2023
I am so sorry for this tragic loss to the Modarelli family. I remember playing tennis with Jenny at the Oakbrook Swim and Tennis Club and being on the swim team with her. She was always so energetic and fun. I will remember her fondly.
Christy MacAnally Trowbridge
Evelyn Abel
May 26, 2023
Her life will be forever cherished in our hearts. Love from the family. I am so thankful for all of the precious moments I spent with her.
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