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Jennifer Sileo Obituary
Jennifer Ann, my beautiful princess from Queens by way of the Philippines. Quezon City is a long way from Connecticut but the fact that she made that journey makes me the luckiest guy in the world.
She traveled many a mile to melt my heart with her smile !
Jenny loved to dance and sing. I recall her saying how did her first dance recital at five years old. She even remembered the blue dress with white lace that she wore. She loved storytelling and won first place in her school's oratorical contest at 15 yrs old.
In Manila, Jenny and her best friend since elementary school Cathy Li rode the Jeepneys and the Love buses with "air con" to school and work ( thanks Imelda for making something more than fancy shoes a necessity) After graduation they won their places in the Philippine Acapella choral group Chanteclaire and with it a ticket to see the world. Chanticlaire competed throughout Europe touring 11 cities in six weeks including Hungary, Greece, Switzerland and Italy. Jenny was especially proud when they won first place in Vienna, Austria !
In Queens, Jenny shared an apartment with four girlfriends and only one bathroom She and Chiqui commandeered their furniture from city curbsides. Dinner was often one slice of pizza and a soda. Luckily for me she made the move to a roomier Greenwich apt. where they continued to grow under the wing of Lisa Kralik who she affectionately named Mommy Lisa.
Fortunately, I was working in Greenwich where we shared a mutual friend, Heidi who introduced us. We dated for three years and we married for 30 more years of pure bliss ! Okay, maybe a few spats sprinkled in between.
Jenny was a consummate professional, a Global Risk Insurance Manager for international firms Marsh and McLennan, UST and others. She also had a second career as an expert diamond engagement ring salesperson at Peter Suchy jewelers.
However her true passion was vacationing and traveling with John (and friends occasionally) Whether snorkeling in the Caribbean, sailing on Hobie Cats and kayaking in Jamaica or hiking the mountain trails of Sedona and the Grand Canyon, there was always an adventure to be had.
Many overseas trips were memorable- Paris visiting the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Versailles.
Jenny used her formidable powers of persuasion to convince John's mom Marie to return to her hometown of Saverne in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France to see her mother Maria, brother Pierre and his wife Gabrielle. It was a wonderful reunion for which we were all very grateful !
Other memorable trips were to Vancouver and the gardens of Victoria Island- where John proposed to her. Also many trips back home to see her dad, brother and family, aunts, uncles and cousins in Cebu, Bohol and Boracay in the Philippines and touring Japan and Iceland.
When summer came Jenny loved reading novels on the beach- either Cove beach in Stamford or Herring Cove in Provincetown. Afterwards dinner at The Lobster Pot was a must. Great vacations to Cape Cod with Pete, Rose and William playing miniature golf, watching drive-in movies and marveling at shooting stars from the backyard deck. She truly loved all of the seasons. Summer barbecues, annual drives upstate for autumn leaf-peeping, pumpkin picking for Halloween, cooking and entertaining on Thanksgiving, trimming the tree for Christmas and having Easter egg hunts for Michael, Kellie and William.
Jenny loved to cook and entertain on holidays for family and friends but even on regular days she loved cooking her specialties for me. Her mouth-watering Chicken Adobo was comfort food and her pasta with meat sauce ( my personal favorite) and garlic-ginger shrimp were delicious.
Jenny loved her garden. She loved watching Monarch butterflies and catching a glimpse of the occasional hummingbird. She loved playing volleyball, dancing zumba and learning ballroom dance with John. She loved her little black cat Boo, chosen for being the runt of the litter.
Jenny sang soprano in the church choir at First United Methodist Church in Stamford. Jenny was always singing. She sang on one of our vacations in St. Lucia onstage with a lounge pianist. She even sang at our own wedding !! She just really loved singing. Her tastes were so varied, The Carpenters, Streisand and Celine Dion but she also loved McCartney, Bowie, John Denver and ABBA.
Jenny had great passion for Broadway musicals. Favorites were Miss Saigon, LeMiz and The Color Purple. She was thrilled to see such mega-stars as James Earl Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Lea Salonga and Billy Porter. Jenny also enjoyed live concerts and among her favorites were Andrea Bocelli, Billy Joel, Michael Buble and Jon Batiste
Jenny loved everything about public radio but especially the weekend radio shows on NPR, such as "Prairie Home Companion," " Live from Here," "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" and "The Moth Storytellers Radio Hour."
Jenny was small in stature but loomed large in my life. Her love and presence grew deeper and stronger in my heart with each passing day.
She had great love for family, extended family and friends. She was more generous than anyone I've ever known. An incredibly dedicated friend who would always try to help someone in need or speak words of encouragement to troubled friends.
Jenny came a long way from humble beginnings to build a rewarding career and more importantly a beautiful and loving home and family life. I feel greatly blessed to have shared that life with her. I miss her more than I ever thought possible and I will for the rest of my days.
The following paragraph was written by the Delaneys, Jenny's dear nieces and nephew:
Jenny was adored by all of us - Cara (Matt) Delaney, Caitlin (Zach) Delaney, Kevin (Caitlin) Delaney, Casey (Brian) Delaney, and Kylerose (Jeff) Delaney.
We will cherish our memories of Jenny as a loving, nurturing soul, and her strong presence in our lives, especially during the difficult times.
She was beloved for her sound advice, lending a listening ear with no judgment, being a cheerleader when it was needed most, and being the first to break out into song.
Jenny loved unconditionally, lived fully every day of her life, and inspired us to do the same. She will be remembered for her ever calming and joyous presence.
Jenny was also loved by her grand nieces and nephews, Maddie, Ellie, Miles, Cecelia, Leila, Amelia, Mason, and James.
Jenny was always very grateful for support of family and friends but in particular for Peter Sileo, Cara Delaney, Matt Cleaver and Caitlin Treacy-Delaney for their compassion ,understanding and unwavering emotional support ( and hours spent on the phone)
Also Chiqui Weber, Rose Foley, Cathy Li, Gigi Valdez and Maryanne Burke for loving and caring enough to take Jenny out to lunch and other events even as it became more difficult.
We also want to thank Liz Outlaw and Vaneese Thomas for watching over Jenny like the real angels that they are while she was still singing with the church choir.
Thanks also to Jenny's most upbeat and compassionate therapist Jennifer Rockiki. Thanks also to Casey Bayne, Kamila Kaldan, Payden, Hanna and Blair. Also Dr. Sara Buckingham, Lynn Hagerbrant and the good folks at Shakers Anonymous.
Jennifer was born on August 24, 1957, in Quezon City, Philippines, daughter of Simon Yang and Juliana Tan. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and from De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, with a Master's degree in business.
Jennifer is survived by her husband John, brother Ronald Yang, brothers in law Peter Sileo and Chris Colombo, sisters in law Rose Foley, Irene Yang and Toni Colombo.
Her nieces Cara, Caitlin, Casey, Kylerose Delaney and nephew Kevin Delaney.
Nieces and nephews Rachel, Regine and Issa Yang. Kellie and Michael Colombo and William Sileo. Francis and Calvin Li, Tabitha Parish, Alix and Jenna Segil and Victoria Batha.
Jenny's Godchildren are Kylerose Delaney, Francis Li and Adeline Luciano.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a sister, Judith.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced at First United Methodist Church on Cross street in Stamford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CurePSP.com and therowancenter.org a charity with which Jenny volunteered every Christmas at the Rowan Center in Stamford, CT.
To leave online condolences, please visit Legacy.com
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John Sileo
April 16, 2025
John Sileo
April 16, 2025
John Sileo
February 14, 2025
Happy Valentines day Jenny, my " little bunch of sweetness " I still feel your love always
John Sileo
February 14, 2025
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Shirley Grimmett
December 15, 2024
Jenny I will always remember your sweet voice during choir rehearsals and when singing during services. Also, talking about your work experiences at General Electric. I was so sorry to learn that you were ill. You are greatly missed.
Maria Morganti
November 16, 2024
Jenny was one of the best listeners that i know. We met at UST where we had worked together, and while we didn't see each other as often when we both left there, we continued to be friends and would catch up over dinner sporadically through the years. She would often check in with me asking about my family and children. She left a lasting impression on people and I think people were drawn to her as she was genuine and listened and cared about what you were telling her. She had a young soul and was always off doing fun things. She will be deeply missed.
Gabe Shuford
September 16, 2024
Jenny, you are greatly missed. Jenny was a anchor in the soprano section of the Chancel Choir at FUMC and a delightful presence in weekly rehearsals. Her radiance was contagious and she and her husband, John, were passionate music lovers. Jenny simply loved singing and it showed every Sunday. It was a privilege to be her friend and to make music with her. Thank you Jenny. I know you are singing and dancing in that heavenly choir.
Caitlin Delaney
September 8, 2024
Auntie Jenny was an amazing lady, and I will always be grateful that she was in my life. She was kind, generous, funny, and so incredibly thoughtful. She was there when you needed her - she got me out of trouble twice! In high school, when I needed a safe drive home and once in college too. She was a second mom, and I will forever remember her as one. I will remember all of our Christmases together, her signing Christmas carols at the piano; the birthday celebrations with her happy birthday rendition; the many Delaney graduations; and weddings. Auntie Jenny always brought joy where she went. I am most grateful that Miles and Mason had a chance to meet her. I will forever miss Aunt Jenny, and will honor her legacy forever.
Elizabeth Outlaw
September 1, 2024
Jenny was my friend and we enjoyed singing soprano in the choir of First United Methodist Church in Stamford, CT. Jenny brought her lovely spirit with her - wherever she was. When she would arrive at choir rehearsal, the first thing everyone would notice was how stylishly she was dressed - glamorously, really. Her shoes and boots were especially classy. She had a beautiful singing voice and added considerably to the choir´s sound. It was a pleasure to be with Jenny all the time.
John was an excellent partner and caregiver. None of us wants to have such challenges but John met them with compassion and patience. When Jenny & John married, they vowed to care for each other "in sickness and in health." John really paid attention to this vow, acting it out daily in loving and caring ways.
When someone develops a serious illness as Jenny did, it feels so supremely unfair. The world has been robbed of a beautiful spirit. Gone much too soon.
Jenny´s spirit - like beautiful perfume - has risen to heaven. Memories of her will bless us always, buoy us along and light our way.
Caitlin Treacy Delaney
August 28, 2024
Auntie Jenny welcomed me into the Delaney family with open arms. She was always so loving and supportive of Kevin. I will remember her for her melodious singing voice... it was like she knew the words to any song that came on. Even in her last moments of this earth, she still was singing, which to me was so special and on brand for Jenny. I know Jenny is somewhere looking down on us humming The Carpenters. Love you John.
Liz Outlaw
August 27, 2024
Jenny was a beautiful person in every way - in appearance and in spirit. She was a church friend and sang with me in the chancel choir at First United Methodist Church of Stamford, CT. As fellow sopranos, we sat near each other, leading hymns, participating in the liturgy, and singing an anthem every Sunday. Beyond church and choir, we were friends and we were always glad to see each other. When Jenny arrived at choir rehearsal, first thing we would notice was how stylishly she was dressed - especially her shoes and boots. Very attractive and fashionable. Her attire added to her innate beauty.
When Jenny first developed signs and symptoms of Parkinson´s, we were concerned but thought it could be managed. These progressed and Jenny was clearly becoming weak and not at all like herself. Her progression was downhill and swift, something very difficult to watch.
As a nurse, I have observed the deep sadness and distress of a significant
chronic illness. It affects the individual and all who know her. John was deeply affected by Jenny´s illness. He also responded in admirable and loving ways. When John and Jenny married and they recited their vows, they promised to love each other "in sickness and in health." This is a vow which John followed with diligence and devotion. John has inspired me with his vigilant care of Jenny. Her disease seemed heartless but his devoted care of Jenny has been heart-filled and loving.
We miss Jenny at church and in choir rehearsals. We will remember her very special ways. Jenny´s spirit - like sweet perfume - has risen to heaven. "Well done, good and faithful spirit. Enter into the joy of your Master."
Kate
August 25, 2024
From going to Zumba with Jen to watching the joy she and John got with (scaring!) every trick-or-treater at Halloween to knowing with certainty we have the best neighbors in the land, Jen was a ray of light. Seeing John's joy in her when she was well, care for her when she was ill, grief for her now that she is gone is to know all brands of true love. May Jenny rest in peace.
Josh
August 25, 2024
Jenny was a one-of-a-kind person. She had boundless energy, a welcoming enthusiasm, and distinct generosity. We have been lucky to have called her friend and neighbor for the past ten years, and we miss her all the time. Sending our love.
Cathy Li
August 25, 2024
A Tribute to My Dearest Friend, Jennifer Ann Sileo
The first time I met Jenny was in the school playground during lunch break. We were in kindergarten, playing hopscotch together. She and her younger sister Judith, with their cute Beatle haircuts, were a sight to behold. Every lunch break, their dad would bring lunches for them, while my mom brought hot lunches for me and my two older sisters. Though we drifted apart when my family moved to another city in grade 3, fate had other plans. Years later, when her family moved to the same city during our university years, a new, beautiful friendship blossomed between us.
Jenny and I did everything together-we shared a deep love for music, sang in the church choir, watched Broadway shows and plays, and joined a community chorale group. Our first trip together outside the Philippines was to Hong Kong. We roamed the night markets, enjoyed street food, and even bought matching dresses, making us look like twins. I´ll never forget the time she got her ears pierced. Back then, there was no anesthesia-just a needle dabbed in alcohol, a thread to follow, and Mercurochrome as an antiseptic. She gripped my hand so tightly, I thought my wrist might break. It took nearly two hours, but we laughed through it, sharing that pain as only best friends could.
University life was blissful, and after graduation, we worked near each other in the financial district, both as money-market traders. Every day for four years, we took the Love Bus together-an air-conditioned bus that brought us to and from work. Our bond only grew stronger, and in 1980, we had the opportunity to travel again-this time with our a cappella group, the Philippine Chanteclair, on a six-week concert tour across Europe and North America. We even won first prize at a competition held at the Castle of Porcia in Spittal, Austria. It was an experience I will always treasure.
In 1983, Jenny moved to the U.S., and my family migrated to Canada in 1991. I was her Maid of Honour at her wedding to John James in 1993, and my daughter Tabitha was one of her flower girls. Though distance separated us, our connection never wavered. We visited each other often, and Jenny was there for my children´s weddings, except for Calvin´s, which she couldn´t attend due to her illness.
When I learned of Jenny´s diagnosis of Parkinson´s and eventually PSP, my heart shattered. It was hard to imagine that someone so full of life and love could be taken by such a cruel disease. But through it all, Jenny remained her true self-caring, kind, generous, and full of faith. She never lost her sense of humor or her love for life. She was a devoted friend, wife, always helping others and showing appreciation for the little things. Even when her illness took its toll, Jenny kept singing, trusting God, and spreading joy until she could no longer catch her breath.
The last time we spoke, I took a screenshot of us during our FaceTime call. Her eyelids kept shutting due to blepharospasm, but we shared a moment I will never forget. On the night she passed, Jenny was surrounded by the people who loved her most-her beloved John James, family, church friends, and extended loved ones. Even in her final hours, she sang hymns, her voice a testament to her unshakable faith. Early in the morning of May 21, 2024, she passed away in the arms of the man who loved and cared for her, leaving this world to dwell in the warm embrace of God.
Though death is inevitable, it doesn´t make the loss any easier. I miss Jenny deeply, and every memory of her brings tears to my eyes. All my friends call me Cathy, and my family call me Catherine but Jenny was the only one who ever called me Kate-a name I will forever cherish because it came from her. One day, we will meet again in His glory, and until then, I will hold her memory close to my heart.
Rosie Segil
August 25, 2024
Jennifer and I met in 1982. We were both hopeful of making it in NY. She just came after a UMAss program, while I was a bit tentative. We both shared a two-bedroom apartment in Jackson Heights with other acquaintances. There were five people sharing an adequate apartment with a single bedroom: three single beds in one room and two single beds in another room. For two years, we pinned our dreams on this first apartment. We shared everything like sisters. And then Jenny left for Connecticut for a new job opportunity. Despite the distance, we moved in the same circle because we considered ourselves. I remember the times in Queens as one of the happiest memories of my stay in the US. We lived from paycheck to paycheck, but it was a world of discovery and dreaming big. My memories of Jennifer were splattered with dread of being locked out for a bathroom emergency when she took her time taking an hour of shower. I loved the fact that she staddled NYC in her classic trench coat and a pair of camel knee-high boots. She got her briefcase and pocketbook coordinated for a professional look. She did not mince words and told you what she thought and how she felt - a trait that I appreciated because you could never have to guess where you stand. When I had a car accident and could not drive for weeks, she took me for a drive and told me to shake it off and get back to driving immediately. She had unshakable confidence and chutzpah, and she could sing. She loved singing and dancing, and she was ever joyful. I wished I could tell her to stay a little bit longer so we could return to those carefree days in Queens.
Kevin Delaney
August 24, 2024
Auntie Jenny was such a powerful presence in my life and she showered me with love all of my life. No problem was ever too small. She was always a voice of caring and reason and helped me many times throughout my upbringing and into adulthood. Always someone to share a joke or song, she was never afraid to join right in all the fun we had growing up. I´m so lucky to have shared so many birthdays, holidays and life events with her at my side. I will always remember how she took me to watch PG13 movies in the theaters and a sushi lunch for each of my birthdays when I was younger - our time watching Godzilla was one of the best memories I have. Any kid would be so lucky knowing they had a loving trusting adult in their life, like I did. I will always cherish her famous hugs and genuiene happiness to see me every time we saw each other. I only wish I could have a few more of those hugs. Now that I have a family, I know how important it is to have such a close friend in my life who will shower my kids with just as much love as I had growing up. I miss you dearly and I love you so much, Auntie Jenny
Heidi Pietrzak Hupal
August 24, 2024
Jenny Ann Young Sileo
A person who I have known for almost 40 years. We met not only in one place but really by way of another. You see Jenny and Chique knew my dad (and mom) before I did. Jenny and Chique lived on High Street in Byram. My parents lived on Richland Road. Wonderfully, their backyards touched with a stone wall in between! My father had his prize tomato garden in "way back yard" and there it started, conversations, giving Jenny and Chique his tomatoes and other vegetables he grew.
One day at Greenwich Baptist Church, two young women came to church. We started talking and I asked where they lived. They said Byram and I said that I knew Byram and asked what street they live on, (you know where this is going). We figured out that they lived back to back with my parents!
From there, Jenny and Chique became active at GBC. We were young adults and did life together. We had a wonderful group of people that became our dear friends. One time a group of us went to Gordon College once and stayed there while we did sightseeing.
From the beginning, Jenny and Chique became a part of our family. My sisters, my nieces and nephews and my mom and dad all loved their time spent with Jenny.
Jenny was/is a person that was easy going, always listened, and gave extremely good advice. She poured her heart and love into each one of us as I´m sure she did with everyone that knew and loved her. Our cups were overflowing with Jenny.
When I worked at McArdles, I met John. He worked in the garden shop and I worked in the floral shop. We became friends. After getting to know what a good and kind person he was, I thought that Jenny would make a good match for John and that John would make a good match for Jenny. They took over from there!
One of the many moments that I will cherish are when she gave John a party for his maybe 30th, (?) birthday at a beautiful indoor place near the water. At the middle of each round table stood a pretty hand painted blue bird house with a bird with nesting attached to the peg as the centerpiece. Jenny finished them, (or maybe she had help from Chique!), with John´s initials, "J.S." , on the birdhouse. I still have that bird house!
Jenny also sang at Timmy and my wedding! Her voice was so beautiful!
Jenny was there for when my two daughters were born, Haley and Leah and also when my granddaughter, Hope was born.
Jenny´s hugs and kindnesses will be remembered forever. Her spirit is still with us.
Lynn Russo
August 23, 2024
Oh John, I am so so sorry. I knew you were both meant for each other and you made the perfect couple. I have always been so happy for you. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that the strength of your beautiful memories and your wonderful family will hold you up. Hugs, Lynn Russo
Nancy Meyer
August 22, 2024
Jenny welcomed us to the Zumba crew with open arms, and she took a particular interest in Abby. Was it because of their shared Asian heritage? Perhaps. But I think it was because good souls connect to good souls, and she and Abby share that light. The world is a better place for having had Jenny in it.
Juanita Alguero
August 18, 2024
I worked with Jenny at Marsh for many years. During the holidays, and in between, we made it a point to connect with another colleague, Mary Lou Rakoczy, and have an enjoyable lunch. We had all moved in different directions over the years but we looked forward to those lunches and an opportunity to catch up with each other. Jenny was a beautiful soul and a good friend and will be dearly missed. My heart bleeds with her passing but she will always be a joyful memory for me and someone I was happy I crossed roads with.
Cara Delaney
August 18, 2024
Aunt Jenny was a kind person with a beautiful soul. My favorite memories were singing and dancing with her - outside in the snow with no coats on on Christmas Eve, at any party, and with my daughters. She is missed everyday. Lots of love to you, John.
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