Jennifer R. Wilke

Ms. Jennifer R. Wilke, a longtime Verona resident, entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Decatur, GA. She was 79 years old.

Born in Glen Ridge, NJ, Jennifer lived in Newark before settling in Verona in December of 1974.

Visitation will be held at the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, on Monday, June 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a funeral service to begin at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the New Jersey State Teachers College (now Kean University) and a Master's degree in Education with certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) from Montclair State University. Jennifer enjoyed a 37-year career teaching kindergarten, first, second, and third grades in the Montclair public school system, spending most of those years at Bradford Elementary School before retiring in 2005. She had a natural love for children and found great joy in helping them learn and grow.

Outside the classroom, Jennifer enjoyed many interests over the years, including calligraphy and book club. Memorable trips to Italy, Switzerland, China, and Thailand enriched her life. She valued meeting her daughter-in-law’s family during the China trip and held a special fondness for Liang-Liang, her honorary niece. She also built close friendships with neighbors on Meadow Lane and the surrounding streets. Summers spent with her granddaughters, who stayed with her in Verona every year, were especially precious. In later years, Jennifer found joy in watching Ion Television and playing word games like Words with Friends and Wordle, a daily word puzzle.

Early years in Verona were filled with simple pleasures — dinners at Roy Rogers with her parents and son, trips to Willowbrook Mall, and summers in Wildwood Crest. Throughout every chapter of her life, she deeply appreciated the care, kindness, and companionship of family and friends.

Jennifer was a member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the Montclair Education Association (MEA), the New Jersey Association of Kindergarten Educators, and the Montclair Teachers Club.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ann and Tony Cleffi, and is survived by her son, John Anthony Wilke III, his wife, Li Qi, and their daughters, Olivia and Alice Wilke. Jennifer was also the proud godmother of Heidi Arathorn and Steven Meluso, both of whom held a special place in her heart.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Condolences, memories and photos can be uploaded to her obituary at ProutFuneralHome.com