Obituary of Mrs. Jennifer Durante

Jennifer Anne “JamJam” Durante

May 1, 1973 – October 1, 2018

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family announces the passing of their shining star, Jennifer Anne (McFadden) Durante on October 1, 2018. Surrounded by family and wrapped in love at home by her side in Toronto, in her 45th year, she was a warrior set free from a courageous fight with cancer; her everlasting spirit and perseverance with a smile with be forever remembered. 

Beloved wife and soul mate to Michael of Toronto, devoted mother to twin boys Nathan Michael & Jonah Rene and daughter Phoebe Grace.  Beloved daughter of Peter and Sharon McFadden (Blackwell) of Kitchener and special big sister to Lisa Ertel (Matt) of Bowmanville.  Cherished granddaughter of the late Lou & Donna McFadden and Charles “Chuck” & Norma Blackwell of St Thomas.  Adored sister-in-law to Jimmy & Rita Durante of Brampton and daughter-in-law to Clara & the late Renato Durante of Toronto.  Treasured auntie to Zoe & Riley Ertel and Zia to Stefano & Luca Durante.  Darling great niece to Uncle Wayne & Aunt Wendy McRoberts of London.  Fond niece to Tim & Deb McFadden of St. Thomas and Reg & Pat Klassen (Blackwell) of Cambridge.

Jennifer was born in St.Thomas and raised in Kitchener.  She moved to Toronto to attend York University and pursued a career passion as an elementary school teacher. She touched many young lives and school families with her generosity, kindness, and loving spirit.  She instilled a love of reading and literacy in many of her classes and was a beloved colleague to all. Jennifer will fondly be remembered by her students and many within the school community at Norman Ingram Public School in Don Mills.  She met the love of her life Michael while living in Toronto and was raising her 3 beautiful children there.  Her most special places included being in the classroom, visiting Ireland and spending time at “The Goofy Moose” family cottage in Haliburton, Ontario.  Words simply cannot express how much she will be sadly missed by family, cousins, and friends from close and afar.     

She will be celebrated as a wonderful wife, mother, and teacher by family and friends and received at OGDEN FUNERAL HOMES, 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario M1S 1T3 on October 9 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm. 

Funeral service will be held at St. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1300 Leslie Street, North York, Ontario M3C2K9 on October 10 at 10:30am with reception to follow.   A private interment will be scheduled. Online condolences can be expressed at www.ogdenfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank everyone and all offers of assistance for Michael and the children during this difficult time.