Jennifer Ann Rickey

June 29, 1971 – March 29, 2024

Jacksonville, FL – Jennifer Ann Rickey passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024 in Jacksonville, FL at Baptist Medical Center South after a brief illness.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her loving parents, Walter Joseph and Peggy Ann (Hanlon) Rickey. She leaves behind her devoted sister Maureen Eaton and her brothers Michael (Kim) Rickey and Joseph (Coleen) Rickey. She was also affectionately known as Aunt Jenny to Colleen (Evan) Malucci, Delaney Rickey, Christian (Megan) Rickey, Tucker Rickey, Finnegan Rickey, and Colin Rickey as well as her great nieces and nephews Ava, Michael, Piper and Beckett Malucci. She was also an amazing cat mom to Stella. Family was her number one priority and throughout her life she constantly looked out for them. She made sure they all stayed connected and every family celebration, big or small, was properly recognized. From good grades to graduations, Jenny made sure you knew how much you were loved.

Jennifer was born on June 29, 1971 in Miami, Florida with multiple medical complications. Doctors performed several surgeries and then sent the feisty, little, red head home with instructions to cherish her for the few short weeks they expected her to live. But her parents and tribe of relatives were not ready for her to leave. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into years. Time after time she defied the odds and her strength and fortitude shined through. In 1974, the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida after Walt accepted a position with the accounting department at Sears Roebuck and Co.

Shortly thereafter, Jennifer began her school years at St. Joseph Catholic School. It was during this time Jenn began to struggle with her studies. But Peg wasn’t deterred, she had gotten Jenn this far, so “can’t” was never part of the household vocabulary. Whether it was studies, playing a sport or adventuring of any kind – Jenn’s fierce nature and determination was encouraged, and rarely did she find something she could not handle. Even after breaking her neck in a jeep accident, she successfully walked across the stage to graduate from Wolfson High School.

For over 24 years, Jenn taught pre-school at Southside United Methodist Preschool. Ms. Jenny, as she was affectionately known by hundreds of preschoolers, loved to do crafts, dress up and teach new things to her students. It was her special gift and the children loved seeing Ms. Jenny each day.

Beyond family and work, Jenn was a devoted friend. She was incredibly loyal and dedicated to those she connected with whether it be from attending school, dancing at the Crazy Horse, attending parties, sporting events, or concerts. She would thoroughly evaluate you, but once you cracked the protective armor, she was unconditionally a true friend to many.

The sudden loss of Jenn will be felt far and wide. For someone so small, she had an indescribable way to make an immense impact for those in her orbit. She was fierce, but gentle. She was strong but loving. She was the glue for an amazing tapestry of people. And we hope you all can join us to celebrate her legacy.

Please forgo the traditional black attire and wear something green to celebrate Jenn.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 4 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Hardage and Giddens Oaklawn, Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210-1999. Christian burial immediately following Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery, 11730 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32258.

In lieu of flowers, friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe site to assist with hospital and funeral cost here:

https://gofund.me/0f3ded8b