Jill L. Symecko

Jill (Lapenta) Symecko, 51, of the Plantsville section of Southington, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, July 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma). She was the devoted wife and best friend of Timothy J. Symecko for 25 years and they were blessed with three amazing children, Jonathan, Madeline, and Chase.

Jill was born on July 26, 1974, in Hartford, CT to the late Rocco and Pamela (Daly) Lapenta. She graduated from Southington High School, Class of 1992, where she was Captain of the Swim Team.

Jill worked at Dodd Middle School in Cheshire for 10 years. She loved her school community and the people she worked with. She was devoted to her children and very active in their education and sports activities, building friendships everywhere she went. She volunteered for the SHS Swim Team booster club serving as President, PTOs, and was the ultimate “Swim Mom” for the Springfield College Swim Team where her daughter Madeline swam for four years. She loved going to the beach in Rhode Island, sailing in her younger years with her aunt, uncle & cousins, and family, and camping each summer at Highland Orchards in North Stonington. Jill also enjoyed shopping; nothing made her happier than a good deal! Jill leaves behind a legacy of love as a wife, mother, sister, and friend to so many. She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her husband Tim and three children, Jonathan, Madeline, and Chase, Jill is survived by two sisters, Jennifer Piascik and husband Jonah of Portland, Julie Linden and husband Timothy of Moodus, father and mother-in-law, Carl and Ellen Symecko of New Britain, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Melanie and Robert Cote of Madison, Carl and Lisa Symecko of Morristown, NJ, Patrick and Amanda Symecko of Cromwell and Lori-Ellen and Patrick Smith of Enfield and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins, her beloved dog, Beau and numerous friends, including Amy Nadeau and Liese Reagan.

Although Jill’s family has been heartbroken since her diagnosis, this tragic time in their lives has been flooded with kindness and love from all around them. They have been overwhelmed by the incredible support they have received from countless people including family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, the Springfield College swim family, healthcare professionals, and even strangers who stepped up to provide support. There are several people to thank but they would like to extend a special thank you to: the Southington Fire Department, the Medical Neuro-Oncology Team from UConn Health, including Dr. Kevin Becker, APRN Kate Medow, and RN Neveta Martin, the Franciscan Home Care team, especially Sister Faith Marie and RN Joshlynn, and the nurses from Accent Hospice Care. They would also like to say a special thank you to contractor, Mark DeLucia, from South Broad Paint & Home Center for going above and beyond for Jill and her family during their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jill’s memory may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research (https://www.v.org/) or to the CT Brain Tumor Alliance (https://www.ctbta.org/).

Calling hours will be held from 3p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, 2026. A memorial service will be celebrated at 6 p.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.