Jen the Goddess

I found out two days ago that one of my friends from Provo days passed away from a rare, aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer. She lived only one month after her diagnosis. I haven't been in touch with Jen except for an email or two and a few brief "pings" on Facebook, since I was married in 1997. Her father sent out a group message on Facebook about Jen's passing. I was stunned, and so sad for her family to lose Jen at such a young age (Jen is a few years younger than me).

I found it baffling when we did connect, that Jen hadn't been snatched up and married. Every guy in our BYU ward would have fallen over themselves if she batted her lashed at them (a few of them did, when she did). We called her "Jen the Goddess" because she had the most amazing head of long, curly hair, and a dancer's figure - perhaps more importantly, Jen had a smile and a laugh that drew all ears and eyes to her. If she turned on the wattage, it was game over. She was truly spontaneous and vivacious - those words get thrown around alot, but they truly fit Jen. I think this was another reason the guys were drawn to her. She wasn't self-concious, so she was always truly enjoying herself and "all in" no matter what the outing entailed. She didn't worry, analyze, overthink, or fuss. Looking back, I think I wanted to be more like Jen because of those attributes, than because of her hair or her figure.

Jen came from a little more "money" than most of us, yet she was always generous. She had lots of clothes in her closet that still had tags on them, but she'd dress us up in them in a heartbeat for a special night out or a date. Jen was kind; I truly don't remember her ever being mean-spirited to anyone.

From what few connections we've had in the last 13 years, I've gathered that Jen remained single but went on to have a highly-successful career, making trails of friends with every office and city move she made. She was living in NYC when she passed; I imagine she wore that town out with her adventurous, life-embracing spirit and energy.

I am sorry that she is gone, but I know where she is. I am so glad that on Saturday in Fresno, her family is having a "Celebration of Jen's Life", rather than calling it a funeral (they are LDS). For truly, she lived a great one.