Jennifer M. Picheca, age 75, a lifelong resident of Far Hills passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 after enduring a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues.

Jennifer was born at the then Somerset Medical Center in Somerville on September 9, 1949, the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Mercurio) Picheca of Far Hills.  She grew up in Far Hills and graduated from the then Far Hills Public Elementary School and went to high school at Bernards High School, Bernardsville graduating in 1967.  Jennifer next attended Mount Saint Mary College in North Plainfield, earning her Associate in Arts degree in 1969.  She continued her education at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971.

After graduating college, Jennifer began an enriching and meaningful teaching career at the School of Saint Elizabeth in Bernardsville where she taught art, music and second grade.  She then continued her teaching career at Bedminster Township Elementary School in Bedminster, teaching fourth and fifth graders for a number of years.  During her summer breaks from teaching, Jennifer began assisting at her brother’s law office, Anthony F. Picheca, Jr., P.C. in Far Hills.  Then in 1983 the legal bug took hold and after obtaining her Paralegal – Legal Assistant Certification from the American Institute for Paralegal Studies in 1982, she made the decision to embark full time in a legal career.  She worked at the Far Hills law firm until her brother Anthony was appointed a Superior Court Judge in Somerset County (Vicinage XIII Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren) in July 2007.  Such an appointment required Judge Picheca to no longer practice law and she found the opportunity to retire and focus upon and enjoy her many interests and hobbies which included; music, art, travel, cooking, community service and charitable pursuits.

Jennifer was a former member of the Far Hills Public School Board of Education; active with the St. Elizabeth – St. Brigid Parish; served for many years as a poll worker for the Somerset County Board of Elections and was active and supported multiple charitable and philanthropic causes.

Through the years Jennifer was happy spending time at the family lake house in Landing (Lake Hopatcong) NJ.  She enjoyed the lake activities and particularly classic boating with the Lake Hopatcong Antique Classic Boat Society.  Jennifer was the inspiration for the multiple award winning 1966 Century Resorter classic boat bearing her name “Jennifer”.

Jennifer was an avid gourmet cook and loved to prepare a variety of delicious dishes for her family and friends.  Her artistic and creative talents influenced her passion for decorating and celebrating for each of the various holidays in a very festive way.  She enjoyed the mystique and wisdom of owls and through the years developed a large owl collection.  Jennifer loved animals and particularly enjoyed the opportunities to “babysit” for the family chihuahua dogs, Tort and Puppy Picheca, which brought her much happiness.

To those that truly knew Jennifer, she was the most encouraging, caring, loyal, positive and giving person.  She would always remember to call or send others a birthday card, note or gift, even when there was no special reason but to say she was thinking of them and cared.  It saddened her that in her last several years, her illness made doing so extremely difficult.

Jennifer lived her life with humility, grace, unwavering faith and was blessed with the wisdom of her years.  She had the ability to find happiness even when it was hard.  Her kindness and thoughtfulness to others, along with living her life with good cheer and optimism will always remain her legacy.  May she rest in peace and always be remembered and loved.

She is predeceased by her parents, Anthony F. Picheca, Sr. in 1988 and Mary Picheca in 1998.  She is survived by her brother, Hon. Anthony F. Picheca, Jr., J.S.C. (Ret.) of Far Hills.  She is also survived by several relatives and good friends.  She was particularly grateful to her friends George and Idee Alatzas of Denton, Texas; Jean Peters and family of NYC, NY; Joanna Borella of Flanders, NJ and Marta Medvidova of Far Hills for their consistent concern and support in her most difficult days.

In accordance with Jennifer’s wishes, her services and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge will be private.  In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a donation in Jennifer’s memory to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Avenue, Suite 100, Madison, NJ  07940 (973-377-2295) sthuberts.org.  Alternatively, Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ  08807 (908-725-0308) srasnj.org.  Arrangements are by Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Bedminster, NJ 07921 (908-234-0766)  laytonfh.com.