Jenna Petra Fortunato, born August 2nd, 1988 in Englewood, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly in Austin, Texas, around April 23rd of 2026. She is survived by her husband Nicolas Casadio, father Ron Fortunato, mother Petra Lukoschek, brother Benjamin Fortunato and her beloved dog Layla.
Jenna’s heart was as big and soft as she was small and tough; a colossal figure under five feet tall. She grabbed life by the horns; feisty, voracious and full of love. Family, friends and community meant everything to her, and she devoted untold time and energy to bringing people together. She cared deeply for this planet and all living things and was always the first to offer aid to people and animals or to help the environment. She loved to cook and entertain, travel, explore and make new friends; always finding herself at the center of some new group or adventure. Her art and jewelry were expressions of the immensity with which she felt connected to life and people. Jenna touched so many lives and would have touched countless more. She will be missed always.
In lieu of flowers, be kind to others, care for the environment and think of how happy it would have made Jenna. A celebration of life will be held by Nicolas Casadio in her honor in the Fall of 2026. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Details will be shared when available.
8 Responses
When I first met you and Nick I went, she’s so beautiful, that smile and the Aura that I felt from you was shine to my soul. I loved playing Billiards with you. I’m will miss you, but I’ll never forget the memories I had with you. RIP
Love
Tony A.
Jenna stepped in to help out at Twisted Texas Tour after Meagan Fritts passed away and immediately encouraged me to bring my dog, Gaucho, in the van on tours. She was bold in her declaration and encouragement, so Gaucho immediately added TTT Tour Guide Co-Pilot to his already extensive co-pilot resume. I didn’t get to know Jenna well, and, although this is somewhat of a superficial memory, I immediately liked her based solely on her unassailable love of dogs. She will be missed by the TTT family. Condolences to friends and loved ones.
Kip
Nick, I am so very sorry for your loss and my heartfelt prayers to healing a heartbreaking love. What a beautiful woman. May her memories be a blessing.
CC Rzepka
That grrrrrl made me laugh every time I was lucky enough to cross her path! What a cool smurf, er… human. Her energy was everything. All my best to everyone who will always miss her.
Jenna made me laugh, she held space for me, she was my confidant and was the funniest weirdest big hearted ball of absolute light. She felt things big! She was a human embodiment of a home sort of feelings. I’ve known her since I was 16 and she was 15. I have countless memories of her. She was so friggin special and unique and wonderful and intuitive and just unapologetically herself. She was strong and kind and I love her always. I’ll carry her with me. So much love to everyone who loved this amazing human and misses her
Jenna was an absolute spitfire, ball of fun and joy.
Great times & laughs with this one.
She is already missed.
Love to Nick, and the family she came from.
May all hearts that loved hers, feel peace surrounding this profound loss.
LYLAS 🤍
Jenna was one of my first friends here in Austin, and it’s wild that it’s been 10 yrs ago already that we met paddleboarding. She was such a force to be reckoned with, her bubbly personality, quippy remarks, and generosity. She was so welcoming and had me over for dinner multiple times throughout our friendship. 10 yrs of friendship is far too short, and the news of her passing was received with great sadness. Thinking of Nick, Layla, and her family during this difficult time.
I’m so saddened by Jenna’s passing. She was creative, friendly, intelligent, and a kind soul. She was always a joy to see when she walked in the door. I will never forget her the unique person that she was, and my heart goes out to all those who were close to her. Knowing her was a blessing.