Jermaine Aquino, a remarkable woman whose life was a tapestry of boldness, love, and resilience, passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2024, at the age of 76. Her vibrant spirit, gregarious personality, and deep wellspring of compassion touched the lives of all who knew her.

She leaves behind a loving family: her daughter, Tanya, who was the jewel of her life; her brother Anthony and his wife Suzanne; her nephew Alexander; and her beloved cat Dmitry. Jermaine was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Anthony Aquino.

Born in the heart of New York City on June 12, 1947, Jermaine's early years in Lower Manhattan and Queens shaped her into a person of depth and diversity. Her upbringing in a working poor family on the Lower East Side instilled in her a robust appreciation for various cultures, a deep empathy for the underprivileged, and a passionate love for the arts. Proud of her Italian heritage, Jermaine cooked delightful meals large enough for a village and was eager to feed anyone within earshot.

Her working life was centered on service. Whether she was assisting with airline reservations, waiting tables and tending bar, or renting someone a vehicle, Jermaine brought a unique blend of dedication, flair, and warmth to her work. Her bold fashion sense and love for the arts—particularly jazz, the symphony, and opera—were a testament to her vibrant character.

Jermaine's journey with education was unconventional but rich. She found her intellectual calling later in life, joining book clubs in her 60s, and was a longtime advocate for public libraries. Her love for reading was as fervent as her love for storytelling.

Her unapologetic, fun-loving nature made her a memorable presence in any gathering. Jermaine's stories, often tinted by her experiences among New York's most colorful characters, were as captivating as they were genuine. Yet, nothing could ever make her blush; she lived a life full of stories worth telling.

Jermaine resided for many years on the North Fork of Long Island, where she met and married Roy Falkowski, with whom she had her only child. Though they divorced, Jermaine and Roy developed a friendship late in her life.

Alongside her mother and daughter, Jermaine moved to Melbourne, Florida in 1990, where she created meaning in her life beyond being the sole provider of her family – regularly volunteering for homeless ministries and launching the food pantry at St. John's Episcopal Church. After her own mother's passing in 2008, Jermaine branched out cultivating a remarkable network of friends particularly through Bible studies, eventually making a lifetime commitment to the Order of the Daughters of the King in 2019.

Forever focused on family connections, Jermaine moved near her brother and sister-in-law in 2019 to Delray Beach, Florida. Shortly after settling in, she longed for deep community and spirituality like she enjoyed previously and discovered St. Paul's Episcopal church – where she didn't just dip her toes in but dove head first – crocheting prayer squares, attending healing services, Bible studies, musical performances, Women's dinners, and her treasured Daughters of the King sisterhood.

Jermaine's resilience in the face of health challenges was nothing short of inspiring. Despite numerous ailments and surgeries, she never let her spirit falter. Her life was a testament to the power of perseverance and joy.

To have known Jermaine was to be touched by her zest for life, her unwavering faith, and her boundless love. If you knew Jermaine, you were blessed, because without any doubt you were held in her heart through prayer. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire us all.

Jermaine's memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444 on February 10, 2024, at 11am.