Jennifer Jaksa

Jennifer Lee Jaksa, age 59, passed away on May 4, after a short battle with cancer. This is an unimaginable loss, and she will greatly be missed. Jenny simply made the world a better place. Anyone who had the privilege to be in her presence felt loved, seen, and heard. This ability was an innate gift of hers and changed all of our lives for the better.

How do you describe a life in words? Perhaps it is impossible and must be described in images, memories and acts of kindness. When Jennifer, Jen, Jenny, Aunt Jenny walked into a space, it immediately changed with her vivacious smile, laughter, and her abundant love of life.

Her presence made a difference. She embraced the extraordinary in the ordinary, whether sitting on her porch watching birds and wildlife, swimming with her dogs Buddy and Enzo in Webster Lake, going for “putts” on the pontoon boat, pulling off fabulous get-togethers for family and friends, and most importantly walking hand in hand with her beloved husband Wayne through this life.

Jenny loved the simple things in life, and yet also loved adventure. Going on snowmobile trips with Wayne, meeting daD and Sarah at Niagara on the Lake to visit vineyards and go to the theater. Traveling to Ireland, Croatia and Hawaii with family. Having siblings who chose to make their own paths, she would often find herself in Texas, Maine, Washington DC, Wisconsin, Georgia and Michigan.

Her three nieces and four nephews will remember their Aunt Jenny for her ability to meet them where they were at and simply embrace whatever they were doing at the time. Sharing her love of Boston and Webster Lake. Laughing and playing games and doing puzzles. Where is that one missing piece?

Jenny returned to Portage three years ago to be closer to dad and found her sanctuary down the street from where her mom was laid to rest 48 years ago – her calling to come home. Jenny and Wayne often spoke of these past three years as being their happiest and most content times of their 30 years together.

Despite being the youngest child, she was the one her three sisters, two brothers, two sister-laws, and two brother in-laws called for advice, reassurance, laughter and grace – and the catalyst for very large family gatherings. If you were one of the lucky ones who she called her friend, you knew it was for life, with no limits of love, enrichment, and good conversation – often which included a glass of wine, laughter and a good story to tell.

When you think of Jenny, as you will often do, remember that she lived and loved wholeheartedly with compassion and grace for all human beings, nature and wildlife. Jenny got it right that the most extraordinary miracles are sometimes the ordinary ones that move through our days. May her brilliant smile and giving heart be a guide as you walk through your days and perhaps remember her by showing up for people and/or animals in need, and in doing so, her light will shine on through all of us.

Please join the family in Celebrating the Life of Jenny at People’s Church on June 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with a reception immediately following until 4:30 p.m.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Jenny’s guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation

(https://www.npcf.us/donate/) or a charity of your choosing in the name of our Jenny.

The Jaksa family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.