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Jennifer Ann Vance
01/03/1963 — 04/05/2024
From Kennewick, WA | Born in Olivia, MN
Jennifer Ann Vance
It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Jennifer Ann Vance, age 61, after a long battle with cancer. Jennie is survived by her loving husband of 35 years Brian and wonderful children Emily, Meredith, and Andrew.
She was born in Olivia, Minnesota to Roger and Ann Baumgartner and after graduating from high school, attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, earning Bachelor of Science Degrees in Biochemistry and Nursing. Moving twelve times in support of Brian’s career in the Navy and beyond, Jennie worked as a nurse in eight different hospitals or doctor’s offices, ending her career in a gastroenterology practice in Richland, Washington. During her long and diverse nursing career, she was known for her professional knowledge, her compassion, and as a dedicated patient advocate.
Jennie was a loving wife and mother, a voracious reader, loved dogs, and took pride in her flowers each spring and summer. She was a dedicated friend to many, always kind, generous, and thoughtful in the relationships she maintained throughout her life. During her four-year journey fighting cancer, she was always positive and cheerful, consistently more focused on the well-being of family and friends than her own, serving as an inspiration for us all. At Jennie’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, she hoped that those who would like to honor her will donate to a charity of meaning in their lives in her memory.
So sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing- she was a joyful person- my lab partner in invertebrate biology; her laughter and humor were invaluable in my college memories. Wish her family peace and comfort in their memories of her.
Jennifer was the “light” in “daylight”. She was so positive, light-hearted, straight-forward and true she was an absolute joy to be around. Although Alma and my meetings with her were few, Jennifer treated us like we’d been friends for decades and we felt the same about her. We are deeply sorry for her passing but know she’s in a much better place, pain free. Deepest condolences to Brian and the families.
We miss you Jenny. A genuinely caring neighbor who was concerned for her family and her community. A wonderful spirit who enjoyed conversation and actively worked to improve our neighborhood. That spirit was infectious.
Our prayers are with Brian and the kids. We love you all and here for you.
We miss you Jenny. A genuinely caring neighbor who was concerned for her family and her community. A wonderful spirit who enjoyed conversation and actively worked to improve our neighborhood. That spirit was infectious.
Our prayers are with Brian and the kids. We love you all and here for you.
My sincere sympathy to the family. Jenny was always a joy to be around. She worked for me in DeKalb’s corn breeding nursery as a teenager. She was well liked by all her friends. She seemed to enjoy hand pollinating corn and other tasks. I will always remember her humor and spunk. She stood out and will always be remembered.
My sincere sympathy. Jenny was high energy teenager and her friends growing up with her really liked her fun nature. She worked for me in DeKalb’s corn breeding research nursery helping to hand pollinate corn etc. She truly was not just a hard worker but seemed to love whatever she did. I have great memories of her.
Your smile will be always present in my heart. Rest in peace Jeannie.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.May your fond memories sustain you during this difficult time. A donation has been made to the American Cancer Society in Jennifer’s honor.
Jennie you will be so very missed. As cousins, I have such found memories growing up together and visiting Olivia for all the holidays and hanging out at your house and eating delicious meals. Playing kick the can and hide and seek in the house with the whole crew. Memories of your smile, laugh and zest for life are still infectious and your kindness and love of others is a model for us all. Peace to you after your courageous battle. Love Cherie
To the Vance and Baumgartner Families, I am so sorry to hear about the battle that Jennifer went through. Remember all the memories and her smile.
She was the only one that was able to call me “Bethy”.
Hugs and Prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Beth Kubesh Redman
My funny cousin and age twin, I will miss you dearly.
Sorry for your loss. My husband and I were in Roger and Anne’s cooking club. We lived only a couple of blocks from Roger and Anne’s in Olivia. Knew all the family and their dog, Amos. I knew Jennie at the age of 10. She was our first babysitter for our first baby. Great family. Prayers for all of you.
Our deepest sympathy to you all. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marlene & Duane Grensteiner
Fairmont, MN
I recognized her the second I saw her Smile!! I am sorry she had to go through all this. She sounds like quite a woman!
May God continue to bless you all. 🌟
Kathy (Lippert) Herdina
Brian, Em, Mare and Andy – Riley too – I am so glad to be a part of your lives. I cherished my friendship with Jennie – We had a ton of adventures!! Thoughts and prayers are with you. Do not hesitate to reach out. I am here for you when ever and what ever you need. xoxo Jenny
To Jennie’s family. Jennie was both a classmate and distant cousin . I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family and hold your memories in your heart. Bernice Rauenhorst Wimmer
Our deepest sympathy to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember her laughter and the twinkle in her eye. Barb Kubesh-Johnson
Jennifer was a good neighbor who quickly became a great friend. Our lives were better because of her outgoing and generous friendship. Bless you and your family you are missed.
To the Vance and Baumgartner Families, my heart breaks for you because Jennie was taken from everyone too soon. To my friend Jennie, Even though we did not get to see each other in person often over the years, I will greatly miss our marathon texts and conversations. You could always make me laugh and smile no matter what was going on. You were the most positive, selfless soul. Heaven is lucky to have you. I will miss you.
Jennie was always so positive and upbeat you would never have known she was fighting cancer. I enjoyed getting together with her when she would come back to Minnesota for a visit. She was a great classmate, teammate and friend. She will be sorely missed. My condolences to her family. Rest In Peace Jennie and God bless.
Fly with the Angels my friend. I wish we had been able to see each other more often after high school, but it was always a wonderful time when we did.
My sympathies to the Vance and Baumgartner families, she showed so much grace and humility during her cancer diagnosis, a brave soul indeed.
She will be very much missed.
Karen Eckhart Thomas
You would never know she was battling cancer if you talked to her on the phone. Jenny was such a positive, cheerful person. She worried about everyone else and never let this “cancer” get her down. I was so grateful that I was able to spend a weekend with her before she passed. She was a true friend and will be deeply missed.
Jennie my sister and hero! The determination that you showed in making all of your sisters were tested and safe from the same cancer that you were battling showed how much you cared for us. You were so positive and courageous. You will always be loved and missed.
Guestbook for
Jennifer Ann Vance