Jenna Anne AtturioThis is for you Bug
From Mommy and Daddy
By Tessa Fitzgerald
Tue May 20, 2008, 12:47 PM EDT
Hanover - On a sunny spring afternoon, a crowd gathered on the B. Everett Hall Field to remember Jenna Atturio.
A pink, flowering Dogwood tree, planted in front of the bandstand at the Hanover field, has been dedicated in memory of Jenna. Alongside, a plaque describes the area as “Jenna’s field of dreams.”
On Saturday, that plaque was surrounded by a bouquet of purple flowers and a single pink rose.
Guests on hand for the ceremony were invited to fill out a tiny card with a message they’d like to send to a loved one who has passed away. The tags were tied to a colorful array of balloons, and then released by the crowd following the ceremony’s tearful dedication.
A misty eyed crowd watched as their messages were lifted by the wind and carried away through the air.
Jenna Atturio, a young girl from Hanover, passed away in December of 2005 from Liver Disease during a transplant attempt. Jenna was the daughter of John and Nancy Atturio and the sister of Christine, Ashley, Gabrielle. She was just 20 years old when she died. This past Saturday (May 17), Jenna’s family and friends and members of the South Shore community who have also lost young loved ones, came out to show their support to the Atturio family during a tree dedication in Jenna’s memory.
In an address to those in attendance, John Atturio thanked everyone for coming.
“This tree is for all of us in the town of Hanover, and is dedicated to our daughter Jenna Anne Atturio’s life,” he said. Atturio also recognized others in town and remembered other local young people who’ve passed away too soon including Torri Wightman, Laura Linehan, Richard Hegerich, Kelsey Prinsen, Erin Roberts, Steve Mathaney, Jill Cairo and Michael Walorz.
Hanover selectman Al Rugman presented the Atturio family with a plaque and proclaimed that the area, located next to the Sylvester Elementary School, would be preserved in Jenna’s memory. Rugman said his daughter, Britney, knew Jenna and was always giving him updates on her. After the ceremony, Rugman said it was nice to see the support the family has received from the community.
A friend of the Atturio family, State Rep. Robert Nyman, D-Hanover, was moved close to tears as he spoke about Jenna.
“I think the outpouring from the community was very impressive,” Nyman said following the dedication. “Especially from members of the community that have had their own personal losses.” He said the Atturios are just wonderful people.
“They have taken their grief and turned it into a beautiful memorial for their daughter,” Nyman said. John Atturio said he was happy with how the dedication went. “This area will be maintained in Jenna’s memory forever now,” he said. Jenna, the second of John and Nancy’s five daughters, was diagnosed with Liver Disease shortly after she was born. She underwent surgery as an infant and had her first transplant at 15 months. By the time she was in her late teens, it was determined she would need another transplant. By the time a match had been found for her, it was too late. She needed many organs.
Her parents described Jenna as a happy, energetic child who loved sports and in particular, soccer. She was loyal to her friends and popular not only with students in her own grade, but also with those who were younger than her. During high school, she worked hard to catch up if she missed classes and worked whenever she could. She was always concerned about the well-being of her family and never complained about her illness.
Gerry Dempsey of Dempsey landscaping in Plymouth donated the tree that was dedicated to Jenna. With the help of the Hanover Department of Public Works, in particular Kurt McLean, the tree was planted last year. John and Nancy Atturio have said that they are very thankful for the support the Hanover community, friends and family have shown them.
Other local parents who have lost a child due to illness or tragedy, were also on hand for Saturday’s ceremony.
Lucy Wightman, the mother of Torri Wightman who lost her life in a car accident in May of 2006, videotaped the dedication. “I thought it was wonderful,” she said. “I hope it raises people’s awareness level just a notch.”
Wightman met the Atturios at Hanover Central Cemetery the day Torri was buried. Torri’s final resting place is located on an area known as “the hill,” and not far from Jenna’s grave.
Wightman and the Atturios and other families met through tragedy and out of the meetings, and hellos they’ve exchanged over the years, have found support and understanding.
“We’ve all gotten to know each other and become close and supportive,” Wightman said.
Megan Shaughnessy and Allyson Toner, who attended the dedication, both went to school with Jenna, who graduated from Hanover High in 2005. The girls grew up together and played on some of the same soccer teams.
“She just couldn’t help but smile,” Shaughnessy said of Jenna.
“She was always so happy and nice to everyone,” Toner added.
Both of the girls said they thought the dedication was beautiful.
“It was really sweet,” Shaughnessy said. “She would have loved it.”
Reporter Tessa Fitzgerald can be reached at
mailto:tfitzger@cnc.com
