Vanessa McKenna

Vanessa Ann McKenna

April 2, 1981-July 6, 2014

Vanessa Ann McKenna, age 33, passed away on
July 6th, 2014, at California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco. Vanessa was an organ donor. Her heart was able to save a life.
Vanessa was born on April 2nd, 1981 in Redwood City, California to parents, Terrie McKenna and Frank Morillo.
Raised in Redwood City, CA. Vanessa was a very intelligent and gifted child and stood out even at an early age. Articulate from her first words, she was recruited into the Oracle Society, in elementary school. After entering a statewide competition, she came close to going to the State Championships. At McKinley Middle School, she was a peer counselor, President of the 8th grade class and always participated in the talent shows every year. She received Sgt G.L. Garrett, Jr. Scholarship Award in 1995 for her high academic talents and achievements.



Vanessa's deepest passion included dance and was a true artist when it came to movement. Vanessa appeared to be most alive when dancing and dance was her top priority for a significant amount of her lifetime. She started dance classes at Studio S, Academy of Dance, age 4 and continued through High School. At age 12, she auditioned and landed a speaking role in the Wizard of OZ, a production at Fox Theater. Devoted to her dancing and performances, she also taught classes and toured as a back up dancer to 90's dance musician Jossette. Her busy dancing schedule kept her disciplined, as she juggled academics and work. She loved dancing to the present day and would never miss an episode of "so you think you can dance" on TV.


Although her designated high school was Sequoia HS, she played a major role in switching to Menlo Atherton High School due to its high standards and ethnic diversity. She helped coordinate the schools fashion shows, danced in the talent shows and was chosen to give a speech on diversity at graduation. Vanessa had many friends of all different backgrounds and was very accepting of all people. As a student at MA, she was a very popular role model and was looked up to by many.


After High school, she was accepted to the California State University Long Beach, but selflessly
decided to transfer to the Academy of Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco in order to take care of her ill mother and family in need. Vanessa completed the program in 2002 and graduated with her associates degree in Merchandise Marketing; Emphasis Applied Buying/Management.


After receiving her degree, she then decided to pursue her fashion which was another strong passion of hers. She lived in San Francisco for 5 years, working at Louis Vuitton before moving in with her sister Tiffany, in NY, where she worked at Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, G-Star and Derek Lam Intl. LLC. She spent the last three years in her "dream"
apartment in Brooklyn.

She was devoted to her family, having to become very responsible in her early teens when her mother had cancer. She loved entertaining and making her friends and family laugh. Her passion and love of fashion and beauty started as a young child. She started working at age 14 in beauty salons, learning make-up application and esthetician skills. She loved giving her mother and sister facials and beauty treatments.
Vanessa's big dream was to attend "fashion week" in New York. This last year, her dream came true. She spent her free time reading and following all new fashion trends, planning new places to explore, discussing politics, watching documentaries and movies. She always had a great thirst of knowledge, as well as learning and improving her vocabulary.


Vanessa is survived by her Mother, younger sister Tiffany, her young brother Daniel and her older brother Marco.


Her passing has left a painful hole in many hearts. The family is so truly grateful for all the prayers, donations to Charities in her name and messages they have received.

Vanessa will so dearly be missed but cherished in our hearts forever.


A memorial in honoring her life will be held at Crippen Flynn, 400 Woodside Rd Redwood City, Ca, 94061, Sat 2pm July26th. Reception to follow.