Jenny Patricia Tejada

Once in a generation, a special person comes along that enriches and elevates all around them-this is Jenny. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, the youngest of four sisters. Together she grew up in a very tight knit family of six siblings. From her early days playing with Roo Roo through her friendships in high school and college she made everyone feel loved and valued. A lover of the arts and avid “foodie”, you could find her enjoying the delicious tastes of fine dining, museums, and cultural events in the company of close family and friends. A teacher through and through, you always came away learning valuable life lessons. An amazing leader-she focused on empowering people to care for others. Her team was her heart and her students were her passion; leading by example and working in the trenches brought about great success. Intuitive, intentional, and bold-she acted when the right choice had to be made no matter the consequences, principle over compromise. Never a harsh word, she sought to lift others-seeking input and listening made her compassionate and caring. She loved learning often studying deeply to understand life, faith, and eternity, the glory of God is intelligence. A wonderful gift giver, it was always perfect with a personal message.

Music was a weaving thread in her life, from the classics of Marvin Gaye to the music defining Beatles and the soothing sounds of Jack Johnson and ultimately to the grand hymns of the gospel, Jenny knew life had a rhythm and music provided the cadence. Jenny had a beautiful voice and loved to sing and along with her sisters and family often sang in choirs, special occasions, and family holidays. She loved her nieces and nephews and created special memories and relationships with each one of them. But the greatest aspect of her identity was her bedrock belief that she was a Daughter of God with purpose, meaning, and power to change lives. Gaining faith from her parents and seeking her own conviction she loved, served, taught, and cared for hundreds of her fellow saints from the youngest to the most senior. Visiting in the homes, making meals and delivering them, organizing great activities, planning powerful lessons, visiting the sick and comforting those who have lost-Jenny reflected and exemplified her love and devotion to her Savior Jesus Christ. She derived her courage and power from Him and faithfully and patiently bore the painful journey back to her Heavenly Home to be with her favorite guy-Dad and her Lord and Savior on December 15, 2023. She is survived by her mother, Teresa, brothers Mike and Jaime, and her sisters, Alex, Ruth, and Silvia. What a gift she was! What an example and legacy she leaves behind. May we dare to do what came naturally to our loving “Pat”. We Love You!

A visitation for Jenny will be held Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3102 N 18th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3102 N 18th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015. Committal will occur Saturday, December 23, 2023 from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85009.