Our beautiful daughter, Jennifer Marie Simpson Anderson passed away quickly and peacefully on Saturday March 27, 2021 with heart failure. She is survived by her parents, brother, five children, son in law, Tommy McHenry, and two grandchildren, Lilly Sue and Oaklee Marie McHenry.
Jennifer was born on March 17, 1973, on St. Patrick’s Day, which gave her parents, Sandra S. Zaccheo and Lowell R. Simpson of Salt Lake City, the miracle they had been praying for. She wasn’t “expected” she was “selected”! She was the first grandchild on Sandra’s side of the family, and much celebrating was done!
Her family would later become complete when her little brother, Michael S Simpson, joined them on July 12th, 1978. The family enjoyed camping with friends and relatives. They spent many enjoyable times at their small farm and cabin in Heber City, Utah. They all loved animals and the outdoors where they had horses to ride and grandparents, with aunts, uncles, and cousins to spend time with. Jennifer especially loved her pony, Spice.
Michael joined scouting and the whole family became deeply involved. Jennifer decided to join in and she spent many hours helping with Cub Country in the summertime. As well as on field trips to help her brother and the other boys. She also did volunteer work at Cottonwood Hospital. She loved people.
Jennifer attended Oakwood E, Bonneville J.H and Cottonwood High School, where she excelled in all of her studies winning many awards. She gained several scholarships of which she chose BYU. She always loved children so later transferred to Utah State in Logan, Utah, Where she attained her Teaching Degree. She obtained an “English as a second language” teaching status, so she could reach more students in need. She always gave her all to them and deeply cared, touching many lives.
On September 8th, 1993, she married her high school sweetheart, Benjamin A Anderson. They made a good team and succeeded in adopting four amazing children; Sydney Marie, Alexander Michael, Lindsey Michelle, and Cameron James Anderson. Jennifer then became full time mom and Keeley Elise was born. The Anderson family was complete. They were very happy.
Sadly, in about 2007, Jennifer became very ill with an undiagnosed serious disease. After undergoing many tests that were inconclusive, she and her family had many hard times with Jennifer suffering for weeks and days with pain. This endured for over two years with a lot of physical therapy and determination she recovered. Life returned to normal and the family thrived even through many challenging times.
Unfortunately, in 2015 Jennifer fell seriously ill physically and emotionally and was never able to recover. She was unable to take care of her family even though they and Ben did all they could for her. She and Ben divorced in 2017. Jennifer suffered and was in constant pain due to her illness, until Jesus called her name home. Jennifer will be deeply missed for all of the light and love that she brought to others. She looks down on us now from heaven where she has finally found peace and rest.
