Jenifer Fioroni

Jenifer "Jenny" Fioroni, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the age of 72 at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Wilmington. She was born on Saturday, December 27, 1952, in Des Moines, IA, to the late Richard Gorton and Betty (Phillips) Gorton.

Jenny grew up with a passion for learning and a love for teaching. As a Special Education Teacher, she dedicated her career to nurturing young minds and making the world a more inclusive place, one lesson at a time. Her academic journey took her from Northern Illinois University, where she earned her BA in Education, to Kaplan University for her MA in Education. Clearly, she was a lifelong learner who believed in the power of knowledge.

Jenny's journey through life took her from teaching at Auror High School in Carpentersville, IL, before settling in Jacksonville, where she spent her final days teaching at Southwest Elementary School and Carolina Forest Elementary School before retiring.

When she wasn't shaping the future, Jenny could be found square dancing her way into everyone's hearts or indulging in her love for needle crafts. Whether it was counted cross-stitch, crochet, or painting, her hands were never idle, and her creations were nothing short of masterpieces.

Jenny's warm heart and gentle nature will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband, Stan Fioroni; her beloved daughters, Jean Shands of Richlands, NC, Emily Noce (Chris) and Victoria Cundiff (Eric), both of Jacksonville, NC; and her treasured grandchildren, Clayton, Raymond, Cordelia, Desiree, William, Aidan, Sarah, Caitlyn, Wyatt, and Joel. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Judy Gorton, Jill Tinsley, Janice Mullendore, and her brother, Jerry Gorton.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date with details to be announced by the family.

Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for both her family and her students will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to square dance in the hearts of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a few unfinished crochet projects.

To express condolences, to share a memory or photo, please do so on the tribute wall.

Coastal Cremations of Jacksonville is serving the family.