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Jennifer Baker Obituary
Of Arlington, VA
Formerly of Kalamazoo
Jennifer Knapper Baker, age 28, died from complications resulting from a 7-month battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) on August 10, 2006 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Jennifer was born February 12, 1978 in Kalamazoo, MI to Robert K. and Janice K. Knapper. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Allegheny College in 2000 and with a Master of Education in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Florida in 2003. As a student, she worked as a Resident Advisor and Resident Director at Allegheny College and as a Graduate Hall Director at the University of Florida. Since June 2005, Jennifer served as the Assistant Director of Residence Life and Judicial Affairs Manager at Marymount University in Arlington, VA. Jennifer previously worked as an Area Coordinator for Hobart & William Smith College in Geneva, NY, in 2001, and as an Area Coordinator at The University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL from 2003 to 2005. Jennifer belonged to numerous professional organizations within the higher education field, including SEAHO, ACUHO-I, NASPA, and ACPA.
On June 21, 2003, Jennifer was united in marriage to Jeremy J. Baker. Jen was very devoted to Jeremy and their cats Elvis and Trouble. She also loved her Florida Gators and Green Bay Packers, which led her to many hours of fantasy football. Jennifer is survived by her husband, Jeremy J. Baker of Arlington, VA; her mother, Janice K. Knapper; her sister, Marie A. Knapper; her step-mother, Diana (Steven) Monck; grandparents, Donald and Emma Laurin, Rose M. Knapper, Mary Wyman; aunts and uncles, Sue (Steve) Allen, Dan (Angela) Laurin of Martinez, GA, Jon (Jeanie) Laurin, Doris (Rob) Johnson, Sandy (Ellery) Mann, William Knapper, Marie's fiancé, Travis Law; and a long list of extended family and friends across the country. Jen is preceded in death by her father, Robert K. Knapper; grandfather, William J. Knapper and uncle, Norman G. Knapper. Memorial Services for Jen will be held Saturday, August 26 at 11 a.m. at Kalamazoo Missionary Church, 5045 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048 with Pastor Ken Smeader officiating. Additional memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 9 at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Jacksonville, FL. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, POB 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Baker
Sponsored by Jan Knapper.
Jeremiah LaCoille
September 7, 2008
I want to express my deepest condolences to Jen's family.
Jen and I were friends at Allegheny. It really seems like only last week that I met her for the first time, roaming the halls of Baldwin. She was an RA(a year ahead of me), and found it within herself to befriend me during those first few weeks at Allegheny. I'm sure my experience wasn't unlike that of many others, as Jen was a truly giving person, but I can't help but smile when I think about the time that Jen and I plotted to steal the famed "13th plank" from a rivaling dorm...a feat that with her brains, and my brawn, we successfully achieved.
Over the following 3 years, we would bump into one another around campus, and flash each other a big smile, remembering the heist we pulled off in broad daylight. I'll never forget Jen for who she was, or how she helped shape my early days at Allegheny.
I was in total shock to hear of her passing, and I feel as though the world is a somehow slightly duller place now. I miss her, and will mourn her loss, even though I hadn't spoken to her in years. She lives on, though, in my thoughts and memories...immortalized, and unchanged.
Jan, my prayers are with you and your family.
Helen Johnson
July 23, 2007
Jan, I don't know how it was that I came across the obituary of Jennifer. You have my heartfelt sympathy. I remember us sharing stories of our kids at work. I wish you well and am deeply sorrowed on your lost, I know how proud (rightly so) you were of your girls, Jen and Marie.
Sabrina
November 28, 2006
My condolences to Jennifer's family. I worked with Jennifer at Hobart & William Smith and have fond memories of Jennifer during our short time working together especially her laughter and sense of humor. I am very sorry for your loss.
R
November 17, 2006
My deepest sympathies go out to Jen's family and friends, specially her husband Jeremy. I don't know Jen, but I was touched by Jeremy's faithfulness, dedication and everlasting love to her. She must have been and still is a sweet angel and a great person to be loved by all these people. I can't imagine what you are going through and no words can explain such pain, but the tears I saw in Jeremy's eyes today at work speak alot of his pain and love to Jen. I'm sure she is happy to have such as great loving family; you guys will keep her memory alive.
Darlene (Bestervelt) West
September 7, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jan, Marie and all of Jen's family. My sister Janet and I had the pleasure of watching Jen and Marie when they were young and seeing them grow into awesome young ladies. We also grew up next to them so we always were keeping an eye on them. I was shocked to hear the sad news to such a beautiful young lady. A co-worker would talk about her illness and I was in total shock when she told me her name after she passed. Jen was an amazing young lady and will forever be missed! I will always remember her laugh and how much fun we had!
Brian Cooper
September 3, 2006
Dear Baker and Knapper Family~
My deepiest sympathy goes out to each and everyone of you. It is so difficult to lose someone who is so close to you. I went to school with Jen from our elementary years all the way up through high school. I was a year ahead of her. I remember back to some of the rides on the bus on the way to school and singing in choir with her. She will be for ever missed as I am sure she touched alot of peoples lives. (Rom 8:28) May God Bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow.
Brian Cooper
Joy and Mike Murphy
August 25, 2006
Our hearts are with all of you during this time of sorrow. May God be with you, as you know now he is with Jen. I remember her as such an enthuziastic person, full of fun and life. Jan and Marie, my thoughts are with you.
Love,
"Joy" and Mike
Janet (Bestervelt) Doud
August 23, 2006
Thoughts and prayers are with you Jan, Marie and families to get through this difficult time. Jen will always be remembered as a bubbly, happy girl with a heart of gold. I got the pleasure of taking care of Jen and Marie when they were younger and watching them mature into beautiful young women. Through this tough time, keep strength in knowing the many lives Jen has touched and memories she has engraved in all our lives. Jen, you will always be a special little angel. Thank you for all the great times, smiles and laughs through your growing up years. Jan and Marie, my deepest sympathy, hugs and tears extend out to you. God Bless.
Sherry & Mike Connelly (Knapper)
August 23, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Zeb & Angie Strait
August 21, 2006
Baker & Knapper Familys. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Angie and I wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts. We have been going through old family photos, reminising about the good old days, when Jen and I were in High school together. Jen was part of my family then.(she went on a couple of family vacations with us.) I will always remember working with Jen(McDonalds)and being in Chior & Band with her. Jen was a Great person! She WILL be missed by everyone who knew her.
August 21, 2006
Our deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers remain with your entire family.
With Sympathy, the staff of the Hackerman-Patz House
Erica Brenner
August 21, 2006
I haven't talked to Jen since shortly after graduation in 1996. In reading the paper yesterday, I read about her passing. I pulled out all of my photos and yearbooks from school. I have pictures of Jen & I together going back to our trip to camp in the 5th grade (1988 I believe). Our 10 year class reunion is next month and I am so sad to hear that she didn't make it to see us again! Now that her battle is over she can watch over the rest us of us. I am so sorry Jan & Marie (and Jenn's husband even though I never met him!) There is no more pain. We will miss you dearly!
Love Always!!!
Nicole Houle
August 21, 2006
I know Jen is in a better place overlooking everyone she loved. My thoughts are with Jeremy and his family.
God Bless
Yvonne Rickstad
August 21, 2006
Not knowing you but following your courageous battle. God bless you!! My heart goes out to this family.
Arnitus Yorks and family
August 20, 2006
Jan and family our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Amal Anthony
August 20, 2006
Love you always, Knapper.
Jeremy Baker
August 20, 2006
Love and miss you honey
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