Jennifer Wilcox

Torrington- Jennifer Wilcox, 64, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 18, surrounded by family, and loved ones. She was born in Torrington on July 20, 1961, the daughter of Harry and Joyce Wilcox. She spent her first 7 years living with her family before moving to Southbury Training School and then spent most of her adult life living with her Community Systems friends and caregivers in Torrington, while always maintaining a second home with her family.

Jennifer attended several day programs, where she met and became friends with many people. As a child she enjoyed playing outdoors in the leaves, snow, and in the water. She loved sitting upon her father's shoulders while he skied down the back yard and was thrilled to share a ride on his motorcycle. JennyBear, as she was nicknamed by the group home staff, enjoyed helping around her group home. Jennifer was a loving and caring person, always checking on her friends. She was also mischievous, and taught her younger sister how to dump the flour canister onto the kitchen floor and then mix it with water, and how to stuff washcloths into the sink drain, turn on the water, and then walk away, ruining her older sister's schoolwork. Jennifer disliked cats and would encourage them to go outside with a nudge as she opened the door. Dogs held a special place in her heart and one of her jobs was to feed apples to Sadie, her housemate's dog. Jenny could often be seen reading her animal books, stringing beads, and putting together puzzles, all while making sure the staff was doing their job. Her biggest love, beside her family and staff family, was her doll, Meagan who went everywhere with her, even into the operating room. She cared for Meagan and made sure she got her weekly bath in the washing machine.

Jennifer leaves behind an extensive list of brokenhearted family and friends, including her father, "DaddyHarry", brothers Charlie (Diane) and Mike of Torrington, Bill (Tammy) of Gray Court, South Carolina, and sisters Eden (Ed) of Torrington and Liz/Dessy (Gary) of Orange, Massachusetts, and several nieces and nephews. She leaves her housemates Laurene, Garrett, Craig, and Cathy, as well as Sadie the dog and her beloved doll Meagan, and the many people of Community Systems and their families who were not only her caregivers, but also her family.

She is predeceased by her mother MommyJoyce, Sarah, Loretta, Kenny, Aunt Janet, and Max. Her friend Billy joined Jennifer in Heaven a short time later.

The family is forever grateful to the compassionate staff at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, who guided her family through a difficult time and lovingly cared for her in her final hours.

UPDATE: Due to expected inclement weather, services will now be held Saturday, January 24, 2025, at 2:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington, with Pastor Steve Darr officiating. Friends may call Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions in Jennifer's memory may be made to Community Systems Inc (CSI) 295 Alvord Park Rd, Torrington, CT 06790.