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Jenna Yoo Hwa Miller
September 19, 1984 – May 17, 2015
Jenna Yoo Hwa Miller was born September 19, 1984 in Inchon, South Korea where she was given the name Yoo Hwa 'Gentle Bright Shine' before traveling to Alaska to become part of our 'forever family'. Jenny, as we all knew her, was a shining light of laughter, curiosity, creativity, high spirits and fearlessness. Her smile was beautiful, warm and generous.
Jenny loved all animals, especially dogs, horses, whales and dolphins. Her spirit of adventure began with climbing every tree in the neighborhood and exploring the beaches with her brother and inseparable childhood friends. Swimming, skiing, snowboarding, surfing and horseback riding followed, with forays into karate and gymnastics.
Jenny loved fishing and hunting with her dad 'I'm helping to feed the family mom' she once told me. Her dad treasures memories of the first deer, an 8 pt. buck ,the trip north for caribou, her 88 lb halibut and a 32 lb. king salmon. Jenny hiked the Chilkoot trail and loved family campouts as well as ferry/road trips to visit grandparents in British Columbia where she rode horses to her heart's content and competed in cattle penning rodeos. Other family adventures included travel to Disneyland and Hawaii. Jenny and all of the 'Miller women' spent hours laughing together during 'women's day' visits; painting together or trying our hands at make-up parties.
Jenny was a gifted writer and story teller. She loved to put on plays and 'rock star' shows with friends in the family living room. We thought we'd never hear the end of songs from 'The Lion King', one of Jenny's favorites.
Jenny graduated from Juneau Douglas High School where she played violin in the orchestra and 'tried her feet' at Track and Field. She attended University of Alaska Southeast, particularly enjoying 'Introduction to Law'. At one time Jenny pondered following a cousin's footsteps and becoming a vet tech so that she could work with the animals she loved.
Jenny often talked of dreams to continue her education even as she struggled against the addiction she thought she could 'beat' without help. Jenny loved her little boys, her family and her friends. Her dreams and that struggle ended with her death on May 17th.
The day before her death, Jenny enjoyed an afternoon with her parents and son at the UAS Spring Community Day. It was a gift of laughter, hugs, "I love yous" and plans for a family picnic the next weekend. Jenny said 'Mom, I think I can finally make it this summer'.
Jenny is survived by her parents Gary and Kathy, brother Shawn, god-parents Elaine and Mark, sons Michael and McLain, McLain's dad Ian, grandmother Julie and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Juneau and across the country.
The outreach and support from family and friends as well as the many kindnesses of strangers has eased the heartache of losing Jenny. We appreciate the compassion and respect shown to us and Jenny by the CCF/R responders and JPD investigators. We also want to thank AWARE for the shelter, protection, and hope they gave our daughter when she needed and could accept their help.
There will be a private celebration of Jenny's life later this summer
~ Remembered with love...her spirit is free~
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I only just found out about her passing... I'm shocked and saddened to lose such a bright and caring friend. We met in a "tough time" in both our lives but even after years had passed we would get in touch via facebook . I will forever remember her go getter attitude beautiful smile and the way her face lit up when she got excited. I'll remember her always! Love you Jenna! RIP- MEMORY ETERNAL
jennifer Blankenship-Douglas
September 13, 2015
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear Jenny. During this time of mourning, may you rest your hope on the Father of tender mercies and the God of Comfort; asking him to give you the strength needed to endure.
S.J., New Jersey
June 29, 2015
Jenny was always so friendly - sad to hear that she is gone.
Detlef Buettner
June 25, 2015
I'm so sorry for your family's tragic loss. I hope the promises found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring you comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
ER
June 24, 2015
U invited me to your birthday in Elementary school, so kind always heart breaking to loose a special soul, my next ceremony will be in your name Jenny Miller and we will never forget
Kaelen Buettner-b(Delcastillo)
June 18, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Cynthia Evenson
June 18, 2015
Dear Gary, Kathy and Shawn,
We are so very sorry and are holding you in our thoughts.
Rick Clair and Lynda Giguere
Lynda Giguere
June 17, 2015
Be free, Jenny. May your family's sorrow be tempered by sweet memories.
June 16, 2015
My sympathies to the family in your loss. May the God of all comfort (Psalm 83:18) give you the strength to cope during this sad time.
Michelle
June 16, 2015
Forever etched in our hearts with your big smile and infectious laugh.....love you always and forever....
Elaine and Mark
June 14, 2015
We are keeping your family in our prayers. May Jenny rest in peace.
Paula Rohrbacher
June 14, 2015
We are so very sorry - and hope your memories of Jenny bring you some comfort - blessings to all you and your family... Diana and Mike Grieser
June 14, 2015
I feel blessed to have known you. I miss your smile and your bright curiosity.
Annette Lessmann
June 14, 2015
R. I. P. Jenna
Brenda Winders
June 14, 2015
We are deeply saddened by this news. We have very fond memories of our time together sharing our Korean adoption experiences. Our love to you and your family.
the Rhea-Fournier family
Kathleen Rhea
June 13, 2015
Love you jenna and you are very missed may you forever rest in peace
June 13, 2015
R.I.P Jenna ❤ my condolences goes out to the family.
Irene C
June 13, 2015
My heart goes out to you all. I was introduced to Jenny that day at the UAS Community fair. I am so sorry for the loss of her. May you have peace in your heart knowing she is with our Lord and Savior.
Kathy Benner
June 13, 2015
We will all miss you! The Andree family
June 13, 2015
I love and miss you Jenna. I am blessed that you touched my life. God has his angel back home.
Lexy Gallant
June 13, 2015
samantha miller
June 13, 2015
Still can't believe that your home. You r forever missed.I will never forget.
Justice "Cheesy" Cortese
June 12, 2015
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