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Hudson County View shared a statement from Jen's husband, Joe Giattino:
"I am heartbroken to share that my beloved wife, Jen—the love of my life and mother of our three children—passed away suddenly. She was not only an incredible mother but also a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about this community,” her husband Joe Giattino said in a statement.
“Jen’s unwavering commitment, kindness, and passion touched so many lives here in Hoboken. We are devastated by her loss, and I ask for privacy for our family as we try to navigate this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding and for keeping Jen in your thoughts and prayers.”
In addition to her husband, Giattino is survived by her three sons and her beloved dog, Jane. A cause of death was not immediately released.
Giattino's friend, Rochelle Flynn Avignon, said the two recently celebrated her 52nd birthday on a special trip to Japan.
"We spent a whole afternoon last week recapping every detail and looking at all 1500 of her pictures, Avignon said.
"She was so thoughtful and kind. I had given her a gift for her vacation and she sent me pictures of it as it traveled from hotel to hotel with her. She always made me feel good about myself, and was so much fun to hang out with. She was funny and a little zainy, too. A character. My kind of people."
As our city council president, she knew everyone and everyone knew her. Even the Governor tweeted condolences. Our local community of friends, my heart breaks for you, too. I just cannot wrap my head around this. You know me, usually articulate (at least, Jen said I was), but I'm at a loss right now. I can't find the words.
The mother of three was remembered by Bhalla as a "fighter for all of us. Her kindness, humility, and quiet determination made her a cherished figure whose impact will be felt for generations to come. Hoboken has lost a bright light, and she will be deeply missed."
Councilman Mike DeFusco said:
Jen had an incredible spirit and was a beacon of inspiration for the entire community. She was a compassionate force for good who understood and cared for people across all walks of life. Whether advocating for seniors, supporting our homeless community, or connecting with young professionals, Jen brought unmatched warmth and understanding to every interaction. Her professional accomplishments were many, yet she was grounded in her purpose and commitment to serving others. She was a fearless voice who spoke truth to power, and her dedication to our community set an example for everyone in public service.
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