Today is the first day that I could bring myself to look at this online or post a memory.  I just still cannot believe that I have to proceed through this life without you, my sweet Jeni.  We were soul sisters, you and I.  You were the outgoing one who loved people, which was evident in the outrageous number of attendees at your viewing and funeral (told you so).  I was the introverted one who preferred to be as far away from people as possible.  You wouldn't let me NOT be your friend, and because of you, I have found friendships with so many other people whom I would never have spoken to of my own freewill.  They bring me such comfort at this time.  For the last 10 years or so, we were more than friends...we were sisters, and we introduced ourselves to strangers as such.  My children will forever hold in their hearts the love they felt from their favorite Aunt Jeni.  We were planning to someday buy a plot of land in the Pacific Northwest, build a few homes on it, and spend the remainder of our days together - often joking about what we would be like as old ladies together on a commune (that's what you called it).  You didn't even care that the PNW was my dream and not yours...you said that you would go anywhere as long as I was happy.  Because that is what you did for people...anything in your power to make them happy.  We celebrated our friendship anniversary each year, and I got for you a necklace, engraved to say "Jeni Makes Dreams Come True" with our anniversary date, because it was true...you didn't just show your generosity by helping people with the day-to-day.  You went out of your way to help make dreams come true for those whom you loved the most.  My love for you will be strong to the end of my days, and your memory will live on in my heart.    

I only knew Jeni for a brief two years.  But I felt we'd be friends forever.  I was sitting at my computer working this morning, drinking out of the super sarcastic Yeti she got me for my birthday and I couldn't help but smile.  I miss the facetime chats seeing all the new household improvements - she had a gift!  I'm so sad and perplexed but I'm really sad for her family - I hope you find peace. I knew her for so little time yet will never forget her.

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Jennifer was more than a cousin. She was the one that strived to keep all together. The Glue! The person in the family that always lifted you up, and cared selflessly about you. She was my cousin, my sister, and my friend. When I heard the news my heart stopped, and all I could think about was memories. All those beautiful moments growing up that I will always cherish! 

Tim and Theresa, with the loss of a child, we are left with an emptiness that can only be filled by the love of others and time. Please know that we are here for you! 

Love,
Brian, Theresa, and Cinder


                                   My Beautiful Daughter Jennifer. 
  Such a bright light in this world, always looking ahead to the future, not allowing stumbling blocks to slow her passion and drive, to keep moving forward with zeal. Jennifer had an incredible heart for love and life. I was always amazed at the way she would pour herself out for others. Though Jennifer excelled at many things, being kind and caring to others was where she could always be found, spending herself in a worthy cause, forever trying to make things better for herself and those she loved.  Love..... 
Jennifer loved her family so dearly, love between her and her mom,Teresa, was so special and so strong, a love that started at birth, continued to this day and  will...... continue on.  Love for her brother Matthew and other family members was equally strong.
Jennifer you left this world so young.  Our hearts will always love you, and we will always cherish the loving memories you so freely gave to us.  I will forever be proud to say you are my daughter.

There are some people who shine so brightly while on Earth that they cause others around them to shine with hope, with charity, and with love.  Jeni was one of those rare people.  I know this because every person she knew, every person she touched are now reaching out to help everyone who knew her find comfort in her untimely passing.

Jeni was a distinct light while she was here with us and each and everyone of us will always carry a small part of her with us for the rest of our lives.

Jeni will always be remembered as a confident,  goal oriented, fun, and caring person. I always looked forward to hearing about her latest adventure. She had a great laugh and was just a genuine person. This loss is tragic for us all and I hope she knew how much of an impression she has made on so many lives. 

I have never met a more generous and thoughtful nor a stronger or more determined woman than Jeni. There was never a doubt in my mind that if I needed someone to talk to, someone to laugh with or someone to hug, she would be there unhesitatingly. God, she was such a wonderful listener. With a giant open heart, she was there for me through some really tough moments in my life with kind words when she knew what to say, and a piece of cake and a glass of bourbon when she didn't. 

I can't count the amount of times we laughed until we were in tears - my cheeks ache just thinking about it. Her optimism and sense of adventure were infectious and the love she shared with all of us was unmatched. 

I'm so incredibly proud to have known her and to have seen what wonderful things she was capable of - there was no stopping her. She had such a bright future ahead of her with many many more accomplishments and happy memories on her horizon. There is no mistaking that this is a completely devastating tragedy. She will be dearly missed for years to come. 

My best wishes and love to all her friends and family - those I know, and those I don't. I look forward to honoring her memory with all of you soon. 

The only way to describe Jeni is with a disclaimer that she was absolutely indescribable. She was the kind of daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, friend who never ever ever failed to show you how much you matter, to her and to the world. She would do anything in her power to lift your heart, your spirits, your smile, and her power was remarkable. She was infinitely capable, always taking on new challenges, teaching herself new things, making new connections, and sharing her joy freely along the way. She had impeccable taste. In food, in drink, and especially in people. She was hilarious. The worst puns, the one-liners, the never ending goofiness; she saw the world through a lens that let her find the light of humor in the very darkest places and times, and the comical absurdities in the everyday. It would be impossible to count the number of times she was seen laughing so hard tears streamed down her face. Her joy was infectious. Ever curious, seeking adventure, finding and capturing beauty all around her. She was real, and she was so very precious to so many. She will be forever missed. May her memory be a blessing.

Your laugh will forever be etched in my memory. You were so loving and giving and true. I will never ever ever forget you and I will never let your light go out. I love you and I'm so glad you were here. 

OBITUARY

Jennifer Lee Thomas

December 10, 1981 – August 19, 2021

Tobias Funeral Home - Belmont Chapel

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