Jennifer L. "Jenn" Gildea

GILDEA, Jennifer L. “Jenn” 2/12/1981 – 10/20/2018 Age 37 years of Omaha Jennifer Gildea passed away last Saturday morning somewhat unexpectedly and yet very peaceful with her family and some her caregivers by her side. While Jenn has experienced her share of ups, downs, extended hospital stays and even outlived hospice care a few (OK let’s be honest many!) times over the past few years. These past few weeks she had been fairly healthy and very happy! She was preceded in death by her grandparents Ernest “Dick” & Joann Osburn, Beverly Gildea, Jim Gildea, cousins Tiffany Remmereid, Kylie Remmereid, and aunt Rachel Gildea Jenn is survived by her Mother Penny Gildea; Father David (Karen) Gildea; Twin-Sister Lisa Gildea; Sister Kara (Joey) Covrig; Nephews Levi & Miles Covrig. Jenn is also survived by her extended family and network of special friends, caregivers, teachers, and nurses at the Jerald Graesser Center in Ralston, Prime Home Health, The Autism Center of Nebraska, Camp Munroe, and Developmental Disabilities Services. Jennifer and her twin sister Lisa may have severe disabilities but let us tell you they never let that define them. They created their own amazing, beautiful and unique life full of laughter and hope. Jennifer experienced life to the fullest possible. Nothing made Jenn happier than being with family, friends, her caregivers/nurses, the Ellen TV show, cute men, and the latest news/gossip. No one could make her smile faster than her sister (Kara) and especially her brother-in-law, Joey. We would tell Joey to go sit next to Jenn in family pictures and of course Jenn would open her eyes and smile. He had a knack to get her to smile. She loved doing ‘knuckles’ with her special nephews, Levi and Miles. Her dad could bring out her smile doing a special ‘buzz-buzz’ sound in her ear. She lived with her twin sister Lisa and friend Kate in a special duplex built just for them with outstanding nurses and caregivers. . . and of course mom was close at hand because she lived next door. Jenn loved going to the wonderful, caring, excellent Jerald Graesser Center to be with her friends, the special activities, and the loving staff (especially Diana). She also loved her home and getting manicures, pedicures, going on outings (shopping, movies, Wheel Club). Family and staff made her house her home. She loved to have a place she could relax and feel loved. It really did take a village to provide Jenn with the excellent, happy life she experienced. Jenn was blessed to have excellent special education teachers, outstanding caregivers and nurses (later in her life), the many health care Doctors/providers, friends, and social network (it seems like so many people knew the Gildea twins). We teased Jenn because we think she got confused about going to Lakeside Hospital as being on a lakeside vacation. We absolutely cherish the life she has lived and know Jennifer has held our hearts through her entire life journey. Jenn and Lisa’s unconditional love, ability to smile every day and enjoy life adventures have touched so many lives! Our family is beyond blessed because Jenn and her twin sister Lisa have chosen us as their family. We know Jenn will continue to hold our hands and guide our hearts as we navigate this new journey. In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will be used for agencies, programs and causes important to Jennifer and her family or please choose a cause important to you. Cherish life, be kind to one another and see the good in every person ❤❤ A Celebration of Jenn’s Life will be held, Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 1:30 p.m., followed by an Open House with refreshments from 2:30 – 4:30 pm, All at The Autism Center of Nebraska, 9012 Q Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will be used for agencies, programs and causes important to Jennifer and her family or please choose a cause important to you. Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE68137 402-895-3400