Jean Marie Senker

Jean Marie Senker (formerly Vastano) passed away suddenly at home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on May 19, 2022, leaving behind two children, Anthony R. Vastano (Julia A. Criscione) and Samantha M. Vastano (Kacper Sitko), an ex-husband, Joseph Vastano, boyfriend Nicky Rossetti, and her two dogs (Gigi and Bowser). Jean, known to most as “Jeannie”, was born on December 13, 1966 in Plainfield, New Jersey to Richard E. and Elizabeth J. Senker.

Jeannie is survived by her mother, Elizabeth J. Senker, siblings Bethanne Senker, Suellen Valia, Lesley Senker, Mark Senker, Michael Senker, Richard Senker, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Richard E. Senker.

Jeannie was a beloved wife, mother, and friend to many. She was a kind, fun-loving, and upbeat person to all she knew and was extremely thoughtful about making other people happy. She grew up in Piscataway, New Jersey and attended Piscataway High School, where she met the love of her life and father of her children, Joseph Vastano. Jeannie and Joseph raised Anthony and Samantha in Piscataway, New Jersey. Jeannie was a loving and devoted mother that would do anything for her children. She taught her children to believe in themselves, was supportive of their interests, was a constant fixture throughout their lives, and was always proud of them.

In her school days, Jeannie enjoyed playing sports. She was a creative person who had an interest in graphic design and worked in a print shop early on. She was the longtime office manager at the family business, Atlantic Fence, Inc., helping people from all walks of life with their fencing, home, and garden projects. Despite her chronic pain, Jeannie maintained a positive attitude and worked full-time throughout her life to support her family.

In 2016, Jeannie and Joseph moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia to fulfill her lifelong dream to live by the ocean. After thirty-two years of marriage, Jeannie and Joseph separated in 2020. In the last years of her life, she formed a new bond with an old family friend, Nicky Rossetti. They enjoyed happy times together, traveling back and forth between Pennsylvania and Virginia Beach.

Throughout her life, she had a love of animals, especially her dogs. She also loved ice cream, Kona coffee, a new pair of sneakers, Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, and good (loud!) music. She found happiness living by the beach, going for walks with her dogs, collecting seashells, and watching the sun set over the ocean.

She will be missed dearly by the many people she left behind, for she left this life too soon.

Please consider donating to the Eastern Shore SPCA (www.shorespca.com) in Jeannie’s honor. She donated supplies often and believed in their mission.

Services for Jeannie will be held on Saturday, May 28^th at the Southside Chapel (5033 Rouse Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23462). Viewing will be from 12-2PM and services will be held at 2PM.