Jenny Porco Saraceno

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear mother, Jenny Porco Saraceno. Jenny was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1931, the daughter of Jack and Filomena Porco (both from Italy) and moved to Los Angeles at an early age. She passed away in Burbank on December 26th after a brief illness.

Jenny attended St. Monica's High School in Santa Monica, graduating in 1945. She went on to study at UCLA earning her degree in Music in 1950. After meeting her husband-to-be at a friend's wedding, Jenny and Domenic Saraceno (originally from Lynn, MA.) married in 1955 and ultimately settled in Burbank to start a family.

Jenny was a very gifted musician, learning to play the piano and sing at the age of 5. As a child, she and her sister, Virginia, performed often for local charity events and social clubs. It would be this passion for music that ultimately defined her life.

She earned her CA Teaching credential and was a committed LAUSD educator for 33 years, most of them spent at Arminta school in North Hollywood. She taught various grades and also ran the choral programs for many years, inspiring young minds with her love of music.

As an accomplished pianist, she pursued her passion while teaching and even into retirement. Wherever live Opera singing could be found, Jenny, Domenic, and her favorite crowd of close friends (also singers/performers) were sure to be at the center of it, sharing their talents of good music, food, laughter, and friendship. Their repertoire was vast and included the famous Italian Arias, popular Latin music, and contemporary artists.

Jenny was very generous and thoughtful, spoiling family and friends alike. Whether it was a birthday, holiday, family dinner, grandkids school trip, or just 'someone in time of need, "Grama" Jenny was always there to help. If shopping was a sport, "Black Friday" was the Superbowl! Mom prided herself on having all her Christmas shopping done in advance, this year included. She loved to partake in the traditional post-Thanksgiving event with her kids and grandkids. When Mom shopped, the Dow Jones hit new levels!

At 82, she kept mentally sharp by managing all the house-hold affairs, organizing Domenic's 'honey-do list', and planning the 'social' calendar for her music group. She was a voracious reader and loved spy/murder mysteries the best. Old classic black and white movies were her favorite and she'd watch into the wee hours of the morning. She also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed passing on funny emails with her I-Pad, which she mastered at 80! (Thanks Jack!)

Jenny was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Filomena Porco, and sister, 'Ginny' McGinnis Lambert. She is survived by her devoted husband, Domenic, of 58 years; her five children, Rosemarie and her husband, Danny; Domenic, Jr. (Dino) and girlfriend, Kim, Jack and his wife, Pam; Joann; Frank and his wife Patricia, and "adopted" daughter Theresa. Her cherished grandchildren are: Diana, Wendy, Danny, Jr., Nick, Frank, Jr., Joseph, Natalie, Paul, and step-grandchildren Anne, Stephanie, Gilbert, and Amanda, along with nieces and nephews.

Mom taught us generosity, love of music, laughter, compassion, Italian culinary secrets, and most importantly …a faith in God. For this we are forever grateful. We love you so very much, Mom! Ci vediamo presto! (We'll see you soon!)