Jeana Michelle Whiting, 21 of Endicott, was born on May 19, 2004, weighing 2 pounds 3 ounces. In the early morning hours of July 31, 2025, God knew that Jeana had given all the love she could here on Earth and He carried her home in His loving arms, ending the pain that she had been experiencing over the past year. She had an extremely rare genetic disorder, DNA Ligase IV Deficiency. This resulted in smallstature (Ligase IV Primordial Dwarfism) and progressive bone marrow failure and immune deficiency. Though she was physically small, her personality and the love that She bestowed on all she met was larger than life. In November of 2013, it was determined that Jeana was in bone marrow failure and would need a bone marrow transplant. Her brother Tyson was a perfect match and was her donor. In anticipation of the hair loss from chemotherapy that would be necessary to ensure the transplant was a success, they both got their heads shaved in solidarity. July 14, 2014, was the day she received her brother’s bone marrow, and was celebrated by her family each year as her “2nd Gift of Life.” It was during her time at Boston Children’s Hospital for the transplant that Jeana met Taylor Swift, who then became Jeana’s favorite singer of all time. Jeana was able to attend The Eras Tour 2 years ago with her mom, grandma, and sister, which was one of the highlights of Jean’s life. Jeana loved attending school and began her school years at T.J. Watson Elementary at Union Endicott Central Schools. She began attending the Broome Tioga BOCES PALS program in 2015 after her bone marrow transplant. Everyone knew and loved Jeana, not just at school, but everywhere she went. Even the former Superintendent of BOCES, Al Buyck had a close relationship with Jeana, who roasted him at his retirement with her BFF, Tina Anderson. Tina became more than Jeana’s classroom aide - she was her confidant, best friend, family, and her constant sidekick. Their deep bond went beyond the walls of the school when she and her husband, Al, would take Jeana for outings to TGI Fridays, to get pedicures, as well as shopping. Along with Tina, Jeana’s beloved teacher of 7 years held a special place in her heart. Jane Tilleman adored Jeana and loved when she ran to her to get a big hug and Jeana would let her know that she loved her, “So, so much” Jeana also had the unique ability to put Jane in her place when needed. Jeana graduated from the Broome Tioga BOCES PALS program this year in June and received the honor of being voted Prom Queen at her last prom. She attended The Art of Dance with Miss Judy and earned her 10-year trophy which was a Big honor. Jeana participated in the Southern Tier Challenger Little League with many of her friends from BOCES from 2015-2019. A proud, life-long member of The Little People of America, Jeana enjoyed traveling extensively to attend the annual conferences. She enjoyed being a part of the fashion show, and the dance each evening. This was a highlight of the conference for Jeana, who always loved a good dance party. The Little People of America conference was where she found,” her people”, and the complete acceptance of her true peers who were beautiful and wonderfully made just as she was. Jeana loved all things Disney, especially Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She wore a dress like Belle for both her senior pictures and the prom where she was crowned queen. She enjoyed traveling to Disney several times throughout the years with her family. Grandma and Papa were able to take her to Disney one last time in December 2023. Her Aunt Kate, Uncle Kurt, and cousins Emma and Tristan joined them. Disney in December was magical - a parade with Santa, snow on Main Street, and one last hug from Belle.
Jeana was pure love and light. She loved her mom and siblings with all her heart. Some of the best moments were when she’d say, “Snuggle me, mama,” or “Snuggle me, sissy,” when she’d want to have a movie night on the couch with her mom and sisters. She loved both of her grandmothers fiercely. Grandma Fifield would often get her off the bus each day, where she was greeted with a big hug and “Did you miss me, Grandma?” She always looked forward to sleepovers at Grandma Whiting’s house, where they did their nails, watched movies, and listened to their favorite music together. Jeana Michelle Whiting was born May 19, 2004, in Johnson City, NY. She is survived by her loving, devoted mother, Jennifer Fifield; a brother, Tyson Whiting and two sisters, Adriana Whiting and Michaela Garren of Endicott, NY; her father, Adam Whiting and two brothers, Casey and Ashton Whiting of Hilton, NY; her grandparents, Kathryn and Neil Fifield of Endicott, NY and Karen and Terry Whiting of Rochester, NY; her aunts and uncles, Nate Fifield and Michelle Myers of Mount Holly, NC; Kate and Kurt Knox of Endicott, NY; John and Alyssa Fifield of Mount Holly, NC; Elizabeth Whiting, Jeff Whiting and Jennifer Tomczyszyn, John and Brenda Whiting, all of Rochester, NY; cousins, Emma and Tristan Knox, Adelyn Fifield, Brett and Hannah Whiting, and numerous friends and extended family. Jennifer and her family would like to thank Jeana’s doctors for their care, Dr. Sean Holdridge, pediatrician; Dr. Michael Bober, genetics; Dr. Irene Cherrick, hematology; Dr. Angela Mojica, endocrinology; Dr. William Mackenzie, orthopedics; and the nurses and doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeana’s memory may be made to Potentials Foundation, P.O. Box 34, Sandoval, IL 62882 or Landen’s Story Foundation, P.O. Box 1733, Lincolnton, NC 28093.
Funeral services will be held Saturday August 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY with Pastor Steve Chastain, officiating. Burial will follow in Center Lisle Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Friday August 22nd from 5 to 7 PM.
"And though she be but little, she is fierce." - Shakespeare