Jenna Leann Soto

Jenna Leann was born on January 8, 1988 at Whittier Presbyterian Hospital to young but excited parents, Marla and Ector Soto, and to the delight of first time grand parents, her Papa, Gram, Grandfather and Grandma Jenny, and named after her Tia.

Three C’s can succinctly describe little Jenna : Confidence, Charm, and lots and lots of curls.

On the day she became a big sister, she stood guard at her mom’s hospital room door, individually checking who got access to her baby brother. Her special bond with Josh awoke many attributes in Jen that would serve her for the rest of her life: fierce loyalty, protectiveness, a sense of humor, taking it as good as you can give it and many more.

To the surprise of many of us, Jen showed an immediate liking and talent for playing soccer as a young girl, showing off her impressive agility and athleticism, making many lifelong friends, but also where she was praised for knocking other girls to the ground, which I think was probably her favorite part.

She was a Backstreet Boys girl. And had a deep love for a variety of music that defied genre, language or decade. She spent hours and hours as a teenager listening to the radio waiting to record her favorite songs, later turning those into countless mix cd’s and mountains of memories. I bet many of you have an artist or song you associate with Jen, and I hope she always visits you through those songs.

Following the example of her cousins, Jenna took a lot of pride in her role as “FUN” older cousin to -as she would call them- her first babies, Renee-Carson- and Nathan…cheering the loudest and shouting her signature “woohoo” every chance she got, perfecting the balance of trusted confidant and just a little of bad (but in a good way) influence.

Jen liked her shows. First, I Love Lucy as a kid, and later The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, and of course Friends.

Whoever inspired the term “People Person” had nothing on Jen. With warmth and a big smile, she attracted people to her with ease. No wonder after years in the service industry, her regulars ranged from all walks of life, creating bonds with young families to elderly couples. She made everyone she encountered feel like a friend, like you were in on a little secret together.

We were niece and aunt, and later comadres, but in my heart, she was my sister. My partner. I let her cut my hair when her solution to not cutting straight was to keep cutting …when she found out a boy was sending me mean AIM messages and she showed up at my school and chased him down to yell at him, when we graded each other’s quizzes in driver’s ed and definitely cheated so that we could get our licenses, and when we were asked to be Nathan’s Ninas together. I’ll always remember where I was when she called me to tell me she was pregnant, and the memories I’ll cherish forever of being in the room when she found out she was having a baby boy, driving her to the hospital when it was time, sneaking her mcdonalds breakfast into the room, and those first few precious weeks where we just got to hang out all day and stare at her perfect son. Through every hard season and loss, she would be right next to me, holding my hand, making this particular moment extra hard. I trusted her completely, and I hope she trusted me too.

The greatest transformation in Jen’s life came when she fell in love with Big Josh, and soon after became a family with him and his three young children. Becoming part of the Briana family stabilized Jenna and it was the most unexpected joy of her life to build a loving home for Anthony, Adam and Ciena, to share in their growth, facilitate their interests, and celebrate them as often as she could. She was so honored to be a part of your lives.

But the best thing that ever happened to Jenna was born on March 28th, 2014, Joshua Nathan. Jenna was always nurturing and overflowing with love, but becoming a mom brought out the very best in her. While cherishing every minute with her happy baby, Jen and the rest of our family was introduced to Angelman’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and its many challenges. But when Baby Josh became an angel, Jenna became an advocate…educating herself in the disease and its treatments, connecting with other angel families all over the country, rallying her friends and family for fundraisers and charity walks, speaking at conferences and in front of school boards.

And if you will oblige me for a moment, please raise your hand if you know what Angelman’s is…..please keep your hands raised if you know what it is because of Jenna.

That is a meaningful life, more meaning that most people can dream of, let alone in a life cut way too short. Every step Josh takes is a reminder of her meaningful life, her refusal to accept no or limitations on his behalf. Jenna lived every day of her life like you were never gonna forget her. We were lucky to share it with her. My love you my Jen.

Dear God,

Thank you for gathering us here today, to support and feel love from one another in this time of need.

Thank you God, for every moment and memory we each have of our beautiful Jenna.

For all the things we are reminded of, when we think of her.

Thank you God, for letting us know a soul as amazing and bright as hers.

Lord, help and remind us to carry the same charisma and LOVE that she had.

And help us forever remember, that she is always by our side.

In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.