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BORN
1967
DIED
2020
Jennifer Kroll Obituary
Jennifer Lee Kroll
1967 - 2020
Jennifer Lee Kroll of Hamden, CT died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at 52 years of age, after a prolonged battle with metastatic breast cancer. Born in August of 1967, she was the daughter of Louis and JoEllen Kroll of Silver Lake, WI.
Jennifer was a prolific author, whose published work includes over 30 books, including fiction, poems, plays, and nonfiction. Jennifer graduated from Wilmot High School and subsequently received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame's Program of Liberal Studies, her Masters in Teaching Degree from Boston College, and her doctoral degree from Auburn University. The focus of her doctorate was English, with a concentration in comparative mythology and folklore.
For many years, Jennifer was a Senior Editor for Weekly Reader's Read magazine, a young adult literary classroom magazine with a national circulation. She also worked as a language arts tutor, a writing and literature teacher, and a freelance writer. Jennifer received multiple honors and awards for her published work, including the 2017 Association of American Publishers' REVERE Award, the 2012 Storytelling World Resource Award for her folktale collection "Wings and Tales", and the 2003 Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award.
Jennifer was a creative and inspired author and a devoted wife and mother, who had a wry sense of humor and was a fan of the Oxford comma and Swedish detective movies. She loved exploring the natural world, gardening, and photography, and these interests informed many of her published works, including her Star Stories series (www.giantskybooks.com).
Jennifer leaves behind her husband, Carl James of Hamden, CT, their children, Owen and Charlotte, her parents Louis and JoEllen, her sister, Kristen of St. Louis, MO, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Silent Spring Institute, a leading scientific research organization dedicated to uncovering the links between chemicals in our everyday environment and women's health, with a focus on breast cancer prevention.
Jennifer was a regular attendee of St. Rita's Church in Hamden. Due to current world health circumstances, a memorial service honoring Jennifer's life is planned for later this year, with the date to be announced in the future. This memorial service will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic church in Twin Lakes, WI.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Kroll
Kathy Lathrop
May 11, 2024
So I grew up with Kris and Jenn. I would come over, hang out, see Kris' progress on her bug studies, I think it was fruit flies. Jenn showed me how to play some chords on the guitar. I bought one of her books she wrote on biospheres which will fit in when I'm teaching about habitats. I'm glad we were friends. Kathy
Ellen Psychas
October 20, 2020
Jen and I became friends during our freshman year at Notre Dame, when she lived down the hall. I wish that I'd stayed in closer touch because I thought a great deal of her. What bright light she was, so talented, witty, hard-working and grounded. I will miss catching up on her latest publications, brimming with warmth, intelligence and originality. I wish her family the best during this very difficult year.
Carl
June 17, 2020
Deeply loved, desperately missed, our home is missing its heart, our kids are missing their mom and I am missing my love of 25 years. We will never forget you.
Your sweetness, your strength and courage, your dedication and loyalty, your wit, insights and intelligence, your creativity, and the love you gave us makes us who we are. You live on in our hearts and in .your body of work. The song says to do something pretty while you can and you did your entire life. So, rest now.
Shine on my beautiful light. Shine on.
Natalie Fleischer
May 27, 2020
Jen,
Your friendship has meant so much to me these past few years! So many happy memories of things we did together and our kids growing up from toddlers to teens together! I will miss our long walks, giving each other writing advice, meeting at the pool, sharing gardening tips and plants. I will miss your wry sense of humor, your kindness and loyalty. You touched so many lives! Every year on St. Patrick's Day you reminded me to plant my snap peas...every upcoming St. Patrick's Day I will plant in honor of you, and pause to remember the wonderful person you were!
Vicki Payne
May 21, 2020
There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel on Jen's passing. A beautiful, talented, creative and loving soul who touched us all. Despite the long distances between us and the very few times we could meet in person Jen was a much loved and important member of her New Zealand and Australian families. Rest now Jen. X
Halina Wagner
May 19, 2020
In loving memory of my beautiful and creative friend. I will love you and miss you always. I have so many everyday memories of our friendship surrounding me in nature and in our children. I will carry you with me everyday moving forward. My sincere condolenses to family and friends near and far.
Diane Kelly
May 18, 2020
So many happy memories from my Boston graduate school days involve Jen. She was a wonderful housemate and friend. I will always remember her intelligence, kindness, and sense of humor. My deepest condolences to her family.
Stephanie Nicewarner
May 17, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy Robers-Bowen
May 16, 2020
I am so incredibly saddened to learn of Jenny's passing. She was a great friend to me during my entire childhood and my teen years. I spent countless hours laughing and being silly with her. The play times, sleepovers, and birthday parties with her are part of my favorites memories. My deepest sympathy to Mr. And Mrs. Kroll and to Kristen. Jenny will always live in my heart.
Kathleen Lathrop
May 16, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mary Breen
May 16, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss Kristen!! Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family. Love never ends....
Kristen Kroll
May 15, 2020
on the beach in OBX
May 15, 2020
Kristen Kroll
May 15, 2020
My beloved, creative, beautiful sister--I will miss you always. I wish we could have gotten in one more wonderful beach vacation in OBX with you and your family. I will always cherish the memories we made there.
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