Jane Marie Cirillo Harfenist

Dear Mrs.Harfinest,

Mrs.Harfinest helped my family so much when I lived almost and hour away from school. She would pick Julia,Tessa and I up and we would all hang out and spend the day together. The Harfinest Home was like a second home for me all throughout middle school. I will miss her loving and calming spirit.

Dear Mrs. Jane,
I am so grateful for her because she gave me the opportunity to work for her taking care of her twins and always made me feel part of the family. She was so sweet, so kind, a good wife, a mother, very dedicated to her family, and thank you, Mrs. Jane, for everything she did for me and my children.

Jane,

Your kindness, intelligence, elegance, thoughtfulness, and overall goodness will forever remain with me and others. I will miss your warm hugs whenever we would see each other at HCC. I am truly grateful and blessed to have known you. Rest well my dear sweet friend.🙏🏾❤️

My mom had the biggest and kindest heart. She would pick us up from school and surprise us with snacks or treats in the car like Starbucks or Chic Fil A (something that her father did for her). Everyday after school she'd ask us, “tell me something good that happened today.” She was room parent for Tessa and I for countless years. She was there for every event that parents could attend and cheered us on.

Mom really enjoyed life. She was a very optimistic person and also very nurturing. She liked to get her nails and hair done, go shopping for herself and for us, and had many friends in her life. She was also a very hard worker and very smart and insightful. She cared deeply about the success of her students at HCC and her role as a professor. She was proud of her education and would encourage us to one day get a Doctorate like her, "then you can get your doctorate later!"

Even with her declining health when we couldn't do things we used to do, I loved spending time with her in her hospital room and just talking with her. We'd talk about our days, what was happening in the world, TV shows, about anything. She was the easiest person to talk to and I could confide in her about anything.

Some of my favorite memories with Mom are those that were shared just the two of us (sorry Tessa). We would go thrifting together and took our time because she was a slow shopper like me. We would talk about the books we had read. We'd stay up late at night and watch TV together. I loved our "daughter dates" as she would call them and will always cherish those moments we shared. I love you Mom.

Dear Ms. Jane,
Your legacy is a true inspiration and good example for our community. I might saw you once in Adjunct Faculty Academy class many years ago- We are amazed by your way of thinking, love for school and student. We will miss you.

I will cherish forever our work promoting online teaching and learning across the country and beyond. The conferences we attended, the articles we wrote, the students we shared, and our fierce commitment to teaching joy are the tapestry of our friendship. And you were an amazing friend, kind and supportive. May your family find solace in your memory. Your love was big and generous and lives on in those of us fortunate enough to know you.

Jane, it has been such an honor knowing you and working with you at HCC. I enjoyed chatting with you and hearing about your beautiful girls. You introduced me to Adjunct Academy back in 2019 and it's
bittersweet to see your smiling face on the recruitment flyers for next year's cohort. You are greatly missed, Dr. Cirillo.

Dear Julia and Tessa,
I always enjoyed interacting with your mom when you were both in Lower School at Duchesne. She always had such a positive spirit and was so supportive of both of you! She was the kind of parent teachers love! She must have been a great mother, because the both of you were always such a joy to teach. I know you are heartbroken, but I hope you will treasure all the wonderful memories you have of your mom.

Dear Jane, you are gone too quickly but will be remembered always.
Love, Aunt Denyce

Unfortunately you weren't with us long enough but I will always remember you with very warm thoughts.

Dear Julia and Tessa,
I always enjoyed interacting with your mom when you were both in Lower School at Duchesne. She always had such a positive spirit and was so supportive of both of you! She was the kind of parent teachers love! She must have been a great mother, because the both of you were always such a joy to teach. I know you are heartbroken, but I hope you will treasure all the wonderful memories you have of your mom.

I met Jane (and Jeff) for the first time over 16 years ago at Pappas Steakhouse. I remember that Saturday night so vividly. Louis was introducing me to his very best friends—his “brother,” Jeff—and to Jeff’s wife, Jane. Naturally, I was a little nervous, wanting to make a good impression. But the moment I met Jane, I was immediately struck by her classical beauty, her radiant smile, and above all, the warmth and joy she so effortlessly exuded. We never stopped talking that evening. There was such an ease to her presence. From that night on, we became friends.

Jane was truly one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known. I feel deeply honored to have shared part of this journey called life with her. Louis and I will always cherish the years and memories we had together! And speaking of first impressions… Jane made a lasting one on my mom, too—and let’s just say my sweet mom was not easily impressed. During our almost daily phone calls, she would often ask about Jane. She referred to her as “your friend from the wedding, the one who traveled to Dubrovnik with her parents on a boat. She and I talked a lot.” That’s the kind of impression Jane left on people— you remembered her.... you remembered your conversations with her... you held onto those moments and cherished them.

Beyond her outer beauty and warm and joyeous personality, Jane had a rare depth. She gave everyone her undivided attention. She listened. She cared. She helped. It’s no wonder she excelled in her field—she was a great listener, and in so many ways, a natural healer.

Some of my favorite memories are of our conversations over the years. Jane had such a brilliant, curious mind. We could talk about anything and everything. And she always made you feel heard and understood. Last year, when I was going through the illness and eventual loss of my mother, Jane (just like Jeff) checked in on me regularly while I was away in Croatia. She texted, encouraged, and comforted—even though she herself was ill. That meant so much to me. How special Jane was!

The last time I saw Jane in the hospital, true to who she was—Jane wanted to know how we were doing. She asked about our family, our grandson who was just born, about our friends. She listened. She offered kind words and wise thoughts. She didn’t dwell on her own situation much. She was so strong and brave during her ordeal and she NEVER lost hope or faith in God! We deeply admired her for that.

And of course, we always talked about her pride and joy: her “girls”. Tessa and Julia, your Mom lit up every single time I asked about you. She was so proud of you both, always, but even more so now —college students, growing into your own... Her favorite adjectives to describe you? “Amazing” and "Incredible" —and my personal favorite—“delicious.” :-)

Dear Jane, you are at peace now. You often shared how much your faith meant to you, and I take comfort in knowing you are free of pain in Heaven, embraced in love, and surrounded by those who went before you. You will always be a part of us —in our memories, in our hearts, and in the way we love others.

You are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

Sheila and Louis Gurwitch

I'm deeply saddened to hear about Jane's passing. Although our time together was brief, her passion for teaching and expertise left a lasting impact on me. I'll always appreciate the valuable lessons I learned from her. Sending love and condolences.

To my loving Cousin Jane and her family. Words cannot express how much I miss you. You were always a kind-hearted person which is why we share the same profession of psychology that involves helping and
giving. Rest in peace untll we meet again.

Dear Jane,

You are the kindest, most gentle soul, I have ever known. I loved getting together with you and talking about roots in NYC. Your stories of Italian American celebrations and traditions were so heartwarming. It took me back to memories of my own family experiences. Never a discouraging word, Jane, you never had an unkind word about anyone. It was great fun sharing stories about twins: your precious daughters and my own experiences as a twin. A part of you will always be in my heart.

Jane, you are greatly missed by your colleagues at HCC. You have been such a blessing to me and everyone here. Your family was so fortunate to have you in their lives. God bless you and your family! ❤️

Jane, I know you are at peace, but I hope you are relishing as you look back (down) at the amazing impact you have had on so many people. I always remember you with a smile of friendship and approachability, sprinkled with a few worried frowns when discussing student issues. You personified friendliness and resonated love. You changed so many lives for the better. RIP, my dear friend and colleague.

Sending love and prayers for peace beyond understanding to your family. We miss Jane already & know she is in the loving arms of Jesus.
Much love,
Carolina & Sarah Murrin

Our Psychology Department will never be the same without you, Jane. Your smile, interest in others, and love for your students served as a light to all! I am blessed to have known you for 34 years! I know how proud and happy you were when “the twins”, as we all called the girls, arrived. They became a part of our HCC family. And, I know how happy you were when they both became Longhorns!
We will always love you, Jane. May you rest now in God’s light and love.
Genny Stevens

My "Learned Women" Sister,
Jane,
Your HCC-SE sisterhood is devastated to hear of your passing, but we know you are resting peacefully with God and his angels. We shared countless stories, laughs, and meals at our East End restaurant. 😋 Thank you for the smiles, laughter, hugs and prayers. Ariel and I truly love the memories we created with you.
Most importantly, your contributions and wisdom to the college, higher education, and the disciplines of psychology place you among the best of the best! Love, Antrece and Ariel. 🙏

Jane was loved by many of us at Deerborne. She was gracious, smart, gifted, kind and elegant. Her smile was iconic and always cheered me when we would be together. She was devoted to her classes and loved Mrs Odom’s class. Mama O adored Jane and her tenacious energy, work ethics and determination on making things right to the last detail. She will be missed.

Jane, I sometimes hear your voice in your beautiful daughters. You will live on through them.. Your lyrical laugh, keen mind, and intuitive spirit made a lasting impression on many. May your soul be forever wrapped in a mantle of God‘s grace and peace. You will be loved and you will remembered. Always. Godspeed.

My most precious sister and my very best friend, may you be free with the angels sweet one. I will love you always, forever in my heart.

Dear Jeff, Tessa & Julia it was indeed my pleasure to have met & spent some OBX time with Jane. She possessed a keen, observant way to show her kindness in listening & being present in the moment. I also enjoyed her sense of humor! My wish for all of her family is that you carry her kindness forward. Patty C. OBX PARTICIPANT

I loved the times we spent traveling together- OBX, Alaska, and our San Francisco to Oregon wine country trip.
I will miss you so much and will always remember your strength and courage.
Rest in peace my dear Sister-in-Law

May you have peace. You have returned to the everlasting light. I will miss you so much.