Jessica Sclafani

The bright light that was Jessica Kathleen Sclafani (nee Templeton) was extinguished much too soon on August 15, 2025.  Jessica was only 49, but she made her mark on the world every day, in so many ways.  Cherished wife of Guy Sclafani, caring stepmom to Giancarlo Sclafani, treasured first child of Mark and the late Veronica (nee Inabnit) Templeton, loving older sister to Melissa (Jim) Ormond, adoring aunt to Rylee and Reese Ormond, and dear sister-in-law of Tony (Shiela) Sclafani. Jessica’s vibrant personality and big heart left an impact on everyone fortunate enough to meet her.

Jessica was born on the south side of Chicago and grew up in Orland Park, Illinois, where she attended Carl Sandburg High School.  Other than a brief and memorable hiatus in Iowa, Jessica was a lifelong resident of the greater Chicagoland area.

After high school, Jessica attended the University of Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English – and the affection of her AXiD sisters, whom she loved unwaveringly.  She then earned her MBA from Lewis University.  Jessica was a Senior Manager of Human Resources at the law firm Mayer Brown, which was a perfect job for a natural-born advocate who balanced a soft heart with a sharp mind and equally honed wit.  She was a generous soul, yet suffered no fools.  In 2006 and 2008, Jessica became an aunt to her life-long best friends, Rylee and Reese. “Auntie” was one of her favorite titles, and she wore it as a badge of honor.

Jessica met the love of her life, Guy Sclafani, in 2015.  They married in 2021 and Jessica opened her heart and expanded her family to include her stepson, Giancarlo, and Guy’s large circle of friends, all of whom came to love Jessica for her heart of gold and her obvious affection for Guy and Giancarlo.  Jessica loved fiercely, and inspired others to love her back with the same intensity.

Jessica loved music.  Her favorite band hands down, was Depeche Mode. When she wasn’t dragging Guy to concerts for one of the dozens of the other bands she enjoyed, Jessica might be found helping Guy in the vegetable garden or relaxing with a glass of good wine.  Vibrant and active, Jessica enjoyed working out.  She recently became an avid golfer and spent many hours on the course, regularly trouncing Guy.  Her energy was boundless and contagious.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, Illinois, 60706, beginning at 3:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 6:00 p.m.  All who attend are welcome to share their memories of Jessica.

Flowers are encouraged, as are donations to Jessica’s favorite charities:

PAWS Chicago, https://www.pawschicago.org/how-to-help/donate , Felines & Canines, https://www.felinescanines.org/donate and One Tail at a Time, https://www.onetail.org/donate .



For info:  708-456-8300 or www.cumberlandchapels.com