Jennifer Marie Yingst, 51, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026.

Born and raised in Somerville, Jennifer was the beloved daughter of the late Robert and Valerie Yingst (née Reznak). She graduated from Somerville High School with the Class of 1993 before attending Johnson & Wales University, where she studied Hospitality.

Jennifer dedicated more than twenty-five years to the hospitality industry, where her warm smile, generous spirit, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike. In recent years, she found a new way to serve others as a home health aide in Hunterdon County, providing compassionate care and bringing comfort, dignity, and companionship to those who depended on her.

To know Jenn was to know someone who always put others before herself. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, cared for, and valued. Whether it was preparing a home-cooked meal, baking something special, lending a helping hand, or quietly dropping off groceries or supplies to someone in need, she gave freely and never expected anything in return. Her generous heart, resourcefulness, and unwavering belief in "paying it forward" touched countless lives.

Jenn found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She treasured the countless games of Rummy 500 that somehow seemed to last for years, becoming less about keeping score and more about sharing laughter, playful banter, and cherished memories with the people she loved. She found peace by the water, appreciated the beauty of nature, and had a special love for animals. Her kitchen was always open to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a little companionship, kindness, or a warm home-cooked meal. Every visit came with a full plate, plenty of laughter, and at least one of Jenn's unforgettable stories that somehow became even better with each telling. She had a way of bringing people together, whether gathered around her kitchen table or through the meals she lovingly sent home with others in well-used Tupperware that often found its way back again, exchanged between friends and family over time. Jenn always made it work, turning simple moments into meaningful connections, spreading happiness and cheer, and building bonds between people; whether they realized it at the time or not.

Jenn's vibrant spirit and joyful personality brightened every room she entered. She loved celebrating holidays and never missed an opportunity to dress for the occasion, spreading laughter and cheer wherever she went. She treasured the many friendships she built throughout her life and was deeply grateful for the family and friends who stood beside her through life's greatest joys and most difficult moments. That same love and loyalty were returned tenfold, as Jenn devoted herself wholeheartedly to the people she cared about. Whether someone needed a warm meal, a helping hand, or simply someone to sit beside them, she never hesitated to give whatever she could. Her unwavering compassion and selfless love will remain a lasting gift to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. As a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Jennifer found great purpose in serving her community. She faithfully volunteered with the church's soup kitchen and was always eager to help wherever she was needed. She was a volunteer at Midland School and brought joy to their students. Giving back wasn't something she did, it was simply who she was.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Robert and Valerie Yingst, and her siblings Jeffrey, Michael, Patricia, and Robert.

Jennifer is survived by her devoted partner of 14 years, Joseph Scaramuzzo, whose love and companionship brought her great happiness; Samantha, the daughter of her partner; her beloved siblings, Jason; Harry and his wife, Ceta; Shirley; brother in law, Dan; Katherine; Tommy and his wife, Gail; and Margaret and her husband, Ron. She also leaves behind her daughter Tia DiGrazio, cherished nieces and nephews, extended family, and many dear friends who became family over the years.

Jennifer's life was defined by the love she gave so freely to others. She found her greatest joy in caring for those around her, always putting the needs of others before her own and offering whatever she could—a warm meal, a helping hand, words of encouragement, or simply her time. Her generous heart, unwavering loyalty, and selfless spirit touched countless lives and created lasting friendships. Though she will be deeply missed, the kindness, compassion, and love she shared so effortlessly will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00PM on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Prayer services will be held at 6:00PM

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at St. Johns Episcopal Church, 154 W. High Street, Somerville.

Inurnment will follow at New Cemetery, South Bridge Street, Somerville.