Jennifer Moreno

Jennifer Paige Moreno, lovingly known as Jenn, passed away on September 21, 2025, at the age of 49 after a courageous battle against cancer – cholangiocarcinoma. A long-time resident of Modesto, Jenn spent 43 years making a lasting impact on the community she called home.

Born on July 31, 1976, to Jim and Melanie Hardy, Jenn was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, auntie, teacher, and friend. She graduated from Grace Davis High School in 1994 and went on to earn her degree from UC Davis in 1998. Her time in education shaped not only her career, but also the compassionate, thoughtful way she lived her life.

Jenn was a passionate educator whose dedication to her students and love for teaching left a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Jenn’s time at Gregori High School fulfilled a personal and professional goal for her—she took great pride in being part of the original opening staff, helping to shape the school’s culture and community from the very beginning. She also played a key role in establishing a schoolwide AVID program and served as the AVID Coordinator, fulfilling a personal mission of hers to expand opportunities and support for students preparing for college.

For over 20 years, Jenn shared a deep and joyful marriage with her husband, Daniel Moreno. Together they raised two wonderful children, Joaquin and Katherine, who were the center of her world.

Outside the classroom, Jenn found joy in traveling and planning vacations down to every thoughtful detail. She loved to read, cook, and host friends and family—always bringing people together with warmth, laughter, and good food. And, of course, she was known for lovingly teasing and “harassing” her husband—a true sign of her spirited and playful personality.

Jenn’s life was rooted in family. She is survived by her siblings: Christopher Hardy (Gigi) of Boulder Creek; Liz Zapper (Mark Copeland) of Colfax; Megan Moncada (David) of Carmichael; Melissa Gales (Corey) of Modesto; and Richard “Skipper” Fricke of Modesto. She was deeply loved by her nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, colleagues, and students alike.

She will be remembered for her vibrant energy, her generous heart, and the way she made every room brighter just by being in it.

A celebration of Jenn’s life will be held at Greens on Tenth in Modesto on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to share memories and honor her remarkable life. If you would like to share a memory, please prepare a few words in advance.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Tiny Tim Auxiliary of Children’s Crisis Center. —a reflection of Jenn’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Additionally, a scholarship in her name is being established, and more information will be made available soon. The family also hopes to bring greater public awareness to rare gastrointestinal cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma, in honor of Jenn’s strength and in the hope of advancing research, education, and support for others facing this disease.