Dr. Jennifer Dempsey Wallberg passed away peacefully at The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain on Saturday, May 18, 2019, after a short but brave struggle against pancreatic cancer. Jenn was born November 20, 1968 in Hartford, the daughter of Alexandra (Duff) Dempsey of Berlin and the late Paul L. Dempsey. She attended Berlin public schools, and was a proud member of Berlin High School’s Class of 1987.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford before enrolling in the Communication Disorders program at Southern Connecticut State University; it was there she discovered her calling within the field of Audiology. She earned her Master’s Degree in May, 1995, and shortly afterward began her long association with The Hearing Center in Ansonia. Beginning as a staff Audiologist, she developed a reputation as a dedicated and caring practitioner, eventually becoming the Owner and Director of Audiology in February, 2003.
Later that year, she earned her Doctoral Degree in Audiology from the A.T. Still University School of Health Sciences in Arizona. Jenn was a member of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association; a Fellow and active member of the American Academy of Audiology; and a Founding Member of the Connecticut Academy of Audiology, for which she served as Treasurer for many years. In addition, she held a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology and earned several awards for Continuing Education from ASHA.
Jenn furthered her professional ambitions when she acquired a second Audiology practice – Comprehensive Hearing in Cheshire – in July, 2015. She effectively balanced her work life between the two offices, continuing her commitment to her patients’ well-being. It was Jenn’s wish to make a positive impact within her profession; shortly before her passing, she said, “I hope I made a difference within the Audiology community”.
She accomplished this through her two offices, with her compassion for her patients, and through her advocacy for better hearing health practices. In February, 2002, Jenn met the love of her life, William J. Wallberg, and they were married on May 10, 2003. The couple settled in Southington, where they built a home and raised two beautiful daughters, Caroline Dorothy and Emily Alexandra.
Jennifer was a loving and caring mother, all while pursuing various activities outside of her profession. She was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Britain, where she served on the Church Vestry and the Altar Guild as well as teaching Sunday School classes. Jenn became involved in the Derynoski Elementary School PTO as soon as her children began attending school.
She was a vital and energetic PTO member, serving as a Room Mom and an Activities Coordinator; Jenn organized Family Fun Nights and numerous fundraising activities as well as performing hearing screenings for students. Jenn is survived by her mother, her loving husband, and her two young daughters. In addition, Jenn leaves two brothers: Jon Dempsey and his wife Amy of Berlin, and Jason Dempsey and his wife Chandanee of Rocky Hill.
Jenn also leaves a large extended family of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, cousins, and a very large circle of professional colleagues and close friends – particularly the Friends of Alice – all of whom loved her deeply and will miss her dearly. Her passing leaves a large hole in all of their lives which can never be completely filled. Jenn’s family gives grateful thanks to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at both the Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute and The Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain; their compassion and tireless commitment to quality patient care eased Jenn’s concerns and made her more comfortable during her final illness.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, May 25 at the former St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 147 West Main Street, New Britain. Burial will follow in Maple Cemetery, Berlin. Calling hours are Friday 4 to 8 PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to support the care and education of Jennifer’s two daughters. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www. carlsonfuneralhome.com To send a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Jennifer (Dempsey) Wallberg please visit our Sympathy Store.
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