About jennifer

  
  Jennifer Baruti was born September 20, 1969, in Norwich, CT. She sadly passed
 away, at the age of 38, on February 29, 2008, one year after being diagnosed with ALS. Jennifer
 attended Saint Bernard’s, Griswold High School and graduated from Chariho High School. She
 went on to study at the University of Connecticut. She worked as an Office Manager for many years
 with Stephen Plank at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.

  Throughout Jennifer’s life, family and friends have always been extremely important to her. She
 loved events and holidays with her family. I have many special memories of Jennifer that are
 everlasting and would like to share them with you.

  The year Jennifer passed away, she wanted to take the girls to the Brooklyn Fair. Auntie Shirley,
  myself the girls, Lydia and Bella headed towards the fair grounds, Jennifer was in her wheel chair,
  which was generously lent to us by the Villa Maria in Plainfield, CT. Jennifer wanted to go on the
  ferris wheel with Bella and Lydia. It took a long time on and off, at first she cried and then we
  laughed. Everyone was so patient and kind. After we hit the concession stands eating ice cream
  dots, friend dough and cotton candy…Jennifer wanted it all.

  Jennifer loved “girly night” with Bella and Lydia. They would primp and do nails, watch a move,
  and eat “sticky pink popcorn”-Oma’s special recipe. Jennifer always had such a wonderful way of
  explaining and showing the girls the why’s and how’s of life.

  Jennifer has left a living legacy in Bella and Lydia. She has touched so many people’s life with
 her courage, smile and wit. She has unknowingly affected everyone she has come into contact with
 and her spirit will never fade. I am hopeful that through Jennifer’s family and many friends, Bella and
 Lydia will learn what an exceptional mother that they had and what a grand person she was to all.

 Forever thinking of you,

 Love, Mom

 
  I remember the day I met Jen. It was December 27, 2001. I know that because that
  was the day her daughter Lydia was born. We met at the Backus Hospital in Norwich, right after
  she had delivered Lydia. She was so gracious even though she had back pain and was so
  uncomfortable.
  That is how Jen always was; a very sweet, kind and giving person. She and I grew close after
  I had my daughter Julia. Jen would give me tips on different things, mostly on motherhood.
  When Julia could talk she began calling Jen “Uncle Jen” instead of ‘Auntie Jen’. We never could
  figure out why but it grew on everyone in the family. Of course Jen didn’t mind, she thought it
  was funny and cute. Until this day that is how she will be remembered.
  We miss you so much “Uncle Jen”

  Love,
 
  Your sister in-law, Kim

"Uncle Jen is sending us another rainbow."
  - Julia Baruti

Whenever Julia sees a rainbow, she believes they come directly from Jennifer to us.

  As one of Jennifer’s closest friends, we have experienced many moments that will
  never be forgotten. Jennifer was a compassionate friend. She was known by many as being kind
  hearted, witty and fun to be around. Jennifer always knew what you needed and was so thoughtful
  in sending those special cards where her words brought you comfort. Sometimes a laugh on the
  telephone is all you needed from her.
  Anyone who knew Jennifer understood her humor. A gift that Jennifer had that most of us will
  never obtain, was the gift of listening. She was a great friend to many. Her faith in God and her
  belief in healing energies brought her comfort throughout her life even when she struggled with her
  disease.
  One of Jennifer’s greatest loves was her family and friends. She was the happiest when she
  brought Lydia into the world. She always had her dressed so perfect and was so proud to be a
  mother. Jennifer unconditionally loved everyone she brought into her heart. Even with her
  personal struggles, she had a way to accept people for who they were. She never made anyone
  feel unloved or judged.
  I remember many fun days spent with our kids, Jennifer was a great mother and treated my
  children like they were hers. Jennifer had beauty and grace that will always be remembered. I
  mentioned Jen’s desire for harmony in her eulogy, and that is something that we need to continue
  to strive for no matter what the obstacles are.
  She was the best friend anyone could ever have, and I am truly honored to have been a part of
  her life.

  - Jen Vantine