Jennifer Leslie Caldwell

Obituary of Jennifer L Caldwell April 17, 1970 – September 14, 2020 Two days before our beloved Jenni died, she was transferred to a step-down unit to await discharge. As the nurse wheeled Jenni down the hall her cell phone played jazzy music. Sounds in the hospital were of pain and sorrow and the footsteps of rushing nurses and caregivers going to rooms where other patients waited for healing to come. But breaking through that pain was the sound of music held in Jenni’s hand. Once they got to the room, the nurse gently pulled Jen from the chair, and as if orchestrated, they embraced and danced to the rhythm of the beat with wide smiles and rocking steps. An unusual picture for certain, but one that so loudly described Jenni’s heart, her vibrant nature, and her joyful attitude. Jen grew up in Flower Mound Texas and graduated high school with honors. She studied at the Court Institute of Dallas and certified as a Court Reporter. She traveled all over Europe and the Untied States writing depositions for plaintiffs in asbestoses and mesothelioma litigation for the majority of her professional life. Her passion for music, nature and friendships brought her joy. She was known for her bright smile, witty nature, and love of people, which meant that she never met someone new without learning their name and story. Jen, at 50 years young, passed away in her home in Coupeville, WA surrounded by family on September 14, 2020 after 8 ½ years of courageously battling brain cancer. She is survived by her mother and father, Lana and Tom Schara of Hickory Creek, Texas, her sister, Traci York and her husband Robert York of Coupeville, WA, her brother, Mike Schara of Tulsa OK, and Chuck Schara of Augusta GA and her dearest friends Mikel Martinez and John Timofte. A celebration of life in memory of Jenni will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please donations to Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve http://www.friendsofebeys.org/ or The Glenn Garcelon Foundation https://www.glenngarcelonfoundation.org/ Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com . The Perch Standing naked before God in the sanctuary of trees Is where I feel most alive Gazing out towards the Sound, the Salish sea I could live or die As long as it’s in these arms of the Almighty Atop the cliff at Ebey’s, m hallowed place of church I sit alone, singing Saranam To the Creator, my Beloved, the Maker of the perch In this place, more majestic than the seven wonders of the world, Is the reckoning of my madness, the gardening of my gladness The redemption of my dreams No joy more consuming, no relief more renewing Then the splendor of a moment with God And as the sun slowly slips beneath the mountains Our tete-te-tete turns hushed And for the longest time we sit in silence In the aching delight of fir-scented dusk and friendship By Jennifer Caldwell Please no flowers at this time.