Jenna Herbst died early this morning, after a brief illness from a very aggressive abdominal cancer. She was 50 years old.
Westporters will recognize her smiling face from her life around town. She attended many Staples High School sports games and matches, Staples Players shows and community events, and enjoyed Friday evening dinners at the Little Barn with her companion Laura Blair. Jenna and Laura were a team for over 40 years.
Jenna had Lennox Gestalt Syndrome, a genetic condition. It resulted in a seizure disorder and intellectual disability.
Jenna Herbst
She attended Westport Public Schools. After graduating from Staples in 1996, Jenna attended the day program at Star Inc., and lived in her family home until she was 27.
At that time she moved to her own apartment in the Hidden Brook townhouse complex in Westport, near Stop & Shop. She was supported there for 20 years by wonderful caregivers, who helped her throughout the day.
Jenna attended the Star day program during that period as well.
In 2023 she joined 4 others in the Ryan House group home in Norwalk, administered by Star, where an incredibly caring staff supported her needs.
Jenna had a smile that lit up the room. She had a strong personality and was a great communicator, despite being non-verbal. She had an excellent sense of humor and particularly loved slapstick, often at the expense of her family, friends and caregivers.
Jenna loved music too, and growing up was drawn to the piano at home and school.
Her demeanor, spirit and resilience, along with the support of her parents and caregivers, enabled her to be a pioneer at a time when people with intellectual disabilities were just just beginning to be more integrated into mainstream society.
The main goal for Jenna was to be “on the go.” Her active participation in the community was important to her, and she was a visible, much-appreciated and included presence throughout Westport.
Through the efforts of her family, along with support from the Department of Developmental Services and Star Inc., she lived a full and happy life.
She is survived by her parents, Mickey and Candace Herbst of Westport; brothers David and Jon; sisters-in-law Joy and Jill; nephews Ari, Ben and Henry, and niece Sage, all of Fairfield.
A private graveside service will be held tomorrow (March 2). Shiva will be observed on Tuesday, March 3 (4 to 8 p.m., Birchwood Country Club).
Donations made be made in Jenna’s memory to Star Inc.
My deepest condolences to the Herbst family. I remember Jenna from our days at Staples.
My sincere condolences to the family at the loss of Jenna. She lit up a room and was an inspiration. You all were a model for the care of special needs children and adults. i know Laura, and how she was so dedicated to the normalization of Jenna, which was always so good to see. My condolences to you, Laura, at this profound and personal loss.
Beautiful tribute and condolences to a great family thank you Dan for writing on her
Jenna was light at so many Staples sports events along with her caring superfan Laura. Sending deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Jenna and Laura were an amazing team to witness for sure, having gone through school alongside Jenna until our graduation in 1996. My condolences to the Herbst Family and to Laura Blair. Jenna was a bright light and I’m happy to know she was able to live in her own apartment for a time as an adult.
My sincere condolences to the family on their loss of Jenna. I was her teacher when she was a student at Coleytown Elementery School and Coleytown Middle Scool. She even enjoyed music back then. She was always happy and had a twinkle in her eye. She enjoyed going to the Y on Fridays and getting into the pool.
Dan thank you for writing such a great artical about Jenna. She was really a special young woman.
Being a 50 plus year member of our community, it was the norm for seeing Jenna and Laura at Westport events. They were truly fixtures. The Herbst family are hero pioneer’s of making life as normal as possible for their beloved daughter. It is sad to hear this news. Deepest condolences to the family.
I often saw Jenna and her wonderful caregivers, and on occasion her father. Jenna was an icon in Westport. Sending love and strength to the extended family and friends she leaves behind.
Every sporting event at Staples that we attended over the years- Jenna and Laura were always there!
Both smiling and saying hi to everyone around them!
Her memory is a blessing to all who were greeted by her smile!