Jennifer Justice

July 20, 1963 – January 21, 2025

Jennifer Justice, a beacon of kindness and compassion, passed away on January 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by love in her final moments, held tightly in the arms of her son and her daughter-in-law Olivia. Her departure leaves a profound void in the lives of those who cherished her.

Born on July 20, 1963, in Alamosa, Colorado, Jennifer was the daughter of John H. Suehr and Jacqueline Willcox. She spent much of her childhood in Michigan alongside her six siblings-George, John, Jim, Julie, Jeff, and Jack-forming bonds that would carry her through life’s many twists and turns.

Jennifer’s thirst for knowledge and dedication to helping others were evident early on. After leaving home to attend Arizona State University, she met Clifford Hassel, with whom she shared two beloved children: Benjamin J. Hassel (wife Olivia I. Hassel) and Virginia E. Hassel (husband Tadgh Forte). Though their marriage ended in divorce, Jennifer’s unwavering love for her children remained at the center of her world.

Following the birth of her children Jennifer moved with her family to Oregon. In Oregon, Jennifer persevered through challenges as she completed both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in counseling from Oregon State University with an impressive GPA of 3.76-all while raising her children as a single mother amid a difficult custody battle. Her resilience shone brightly as she balanced academic excellence with motherhood, proving herself a pillar of strength for her family.

Jennifer’s professional journey reflected her deeply empathetic nature. In 2007, she moved to Alaska to serve as a school counselor in Barrow (now Utqiagvik), where she made an indelible impact on students navigating life’s challenges. Though she adored working with the youth there, the harsh Arctic climate ultimately led her back to Michigan after just one year-a decision met with heartfelt goodbyes from coworkers who described her as a “light” during the long polar nights.

Upon returning to Michigan, Jennifer took on the role of caregiver for her mother while simultaneously dedicating herself to meaningful work at Community Mental Health. There, she thrived as a caretaker for group homes-a role that exemplified her boundless generosity and selflessness.

In 2013, Jennifer was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia but faced this challenge with quiet courage and positivity over the next decade. Even as her diagnosis progressed to Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2023-a disease without a cure-she continued to exude hope and grace. Despite enduring grueling chemotherapy treatments and hospital stays, Jennifer maintained an unwavering commitment to living life fully and brightly.

Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, Adeline C. Hassel (8) and Evelyn E. Hassel (5). Jennifer devoted every spare moment-and every ounce of love-to doting on them through frequent trips to Yuma, Arizona. To Adeline and Evelyn, she wasn’t just “Grandma”; she was their biggest fan and cherished playmate.

Jennifer’s legacy is one of unshakable kindness and an innate ability to uplift those around her. Her life stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the profound impact one person can have when they choose love above all else.

A service will be held at a later date in Ottawa, Illinois (details forthcoming). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the nonprofit organization **4suz** (https://4suz.com/), which supports aspiring nurses-a cause close to Jennifer’s heart due to the inspiration she drew from her daughter-in-law Olivia’s work as a Nurse Practitioner.

May Jennifer’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her and inspire others to live with the same compassion that defined her remarkable life.

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The Jones Family
January 24, 2025 at 5:27 am

Beautiful tribute to an incredible woman. You will be so deeply missed Aunt Jenny.

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