Obituary of Jennifer Whitaker

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jennifer Ann Whitaker announce her passing which occurred on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John, NB, June 14, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Reida (Raymond) Bielli.

To all that knew her Jennifer was a kind, gentle, and a caring soul. In 1981 she graduated from UNB with a degree in psychology and got married to her lifelong sweetheart Gary. Her career plans were put on hold in 1984 when she began the new adventure of motherhood. She spent 11 years as a stay-at-home mom guiding and caring for Tyler and Alyssa. In 1995 when she decided to volunteer for the hot lunch program at Dr. A.T. Leatherbarrow Primary School and a teacher discovered that she had a degree, her career plans changed. This discovery and the teacher's suggestion would lead her to what would be a lifelong career caring for and helping educate many children withing the ASD-S. Jennifer spent 29 years being an EA between DATL and HES. She loved her HES family who she spent most of career with, building many long-lasting friendships along the way.

Jennifer wore many hats within her family, but she was always her children's #1 fan. She could always be found in her lawn chair behind the back stop of every ball game, in the stands of every hockey and basketball game as well as in the crowd of every dance recital. She never missed a single game, and even as her children got older you could still find her at their games cheering them on.

In 2012 Jennifer began another new adventure of becoming a grandmother for the first time. If there is one thing everyone knew it was that Jennifer's 7 grandchildren where the apples of her eye. She loved to spoil and spend time with them. Whoever she ran into while out and about she would let them know all about how proud she was of them. She carried on with her #1 fan status with her grandchildren by never missing the chance to cheer them on at the hockey rink, dance recitals or cheerleading competitions.

In June of 2025 Jennifer retired from being an EA and began her retirement life. She would read, complete puzzles and just spend time relaxing. She loved visiting her best friend and sister-in-law Heather for a cup of tea in her sunroom every day to chat like they did since they day they met.

Jennifer will be missed by all who knew her. She was one of a kind and can now be reunited with her mom, dad, brother, and daughter.

Jennifer is survived by her loving husband Gary Whitaker of Salt Springs, NB; children Tyler Whitaker (Tanisha) of Norton, NB and Alyssa Whitaker (PJ Walsh) of Barnesville, NB; grandchildren: Braxton Whitaker, Koralynn Walsh, Tanner Whitaker, Eevie Walsh, Charlie Whitaker, Lexie Walsh and Kylee Whitaker; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bruce Whitaker (Heather), Christina Lackey (Todd), Trisha Gilmore and Pat Bielli; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jennifer was predeceased by her infant daughter Kylee Whitaker; brother John Bielli; and infant sister Susan Marie Bielli.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, where visitation will be held from 4 to 8PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Donations in memory of Jennifer may be made to Hampton P.R.O. Kids or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com