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Jennifer Ann Valdivia
1979 - 2007
Jennifer Ann Valdivia
1979 - 2007
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1979
DIED
2007
Jennifer Valdivia Obituary
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2007, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Ave., Moline. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Western Township Cemetery, Orion, Ill. Memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare-No Kill Shelter, Milan, Ill.
Jennifer was born May 25, 1979, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Chris and Debra S. Hawk Young. She graduated from Orion High School in 1997.
Jennifer had advanced to E-6 in a short nine years and was the Kennelmaster in charge of the largest kennel in the Navy. She had a positive influence on many doghandlers throughout the world. She earned Sailor of the Year 2005 at Bahrain Naval Base. She will be missed by many who knew her, but most of all her family.
She is survived by father, Chris (Renee) Young, Alpha; mother, Debra S. Hawk (Young), Silvis; brother, Jeremy D. Young, Colona; grandparents, Sue Swanson, Galesburg, Leland Morse, Hill Crest Home, Geneseo, and Donald and Peggy Woeckener, Davenport; aunt and uncle, Charri and Richard Timmons, Prophetstown, Ill.; uncles, Randall Hawk, of Florida, Daniel Hawk, of Florida, and Richard (Maribel) Hawk, of New York; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Online condolences may be expressed to Jennifer's family by visiting her obituary at www.esterdahlmortuary.com.
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Debra Young
January 14, 2016
Thank you to all those who remember Jennifer.
Jenny, It has been almost 9 years now and I still miss you! My heart still hurts, and My love does not end! You are in my heart forever! Love, Mom
Peggy Childers
January 18, 2013
To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Jennifer A. Valdivia:
It has truly been my honor to sign Jennifer's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Jennifer will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
Peggy Childers
January 17, 2012
January 16, 2012
To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer A. Valdivia:
Always remembering Jennifer. "Some gave all."
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Peggy Childers
January 16, 2011
To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer A. Valdivia:
Please accept my remembrance of Jennifer on the anniversary of her passing and know that she will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
H. P.
January 16, 2011
R.I.P. Jennifer A. Valdivia
Your sacrifice for people and freedom is not forgotten. You are the true children of God.
H. P.
January 16, 2011
R.I.P. Jennifer A. Valdivia. Your sacrifice for people and freedom will not be forgotten. You are God's true children.
Rick Meunier
July 21, 2010
Thank you young patriot for your service to this country. You will not be forgotten. Freedom certainly isn't free.
D.M. Nichola
December 24, 2009
My heart goes out to the Valdivia family especially after all the media hype. I am angry at what happened to Jennifer but know someday justice will prevail. God be with all of you and comfort you. Jennifer was a good soldier and a good woman.
Anne Golembeski, SMSgt, USAF Retired
October 12, 2009
Jennier, thank you for your service. As a retired enlisted woman I know what a difficult challenge the military can be.
Your courage went unreported. Your sacrifice unknown. You gave your best. Rest in peace knowing you gave the last full measure.
Fair winds and following seas, Petty Officer Valdivia.
Debbie
May 24, 2009
Thank you and rest in peace.
Kenna Larra
February 19, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,400 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
In Memory of Jennifer ~ (Debra Estep)
January 19, 2009
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I did not know Jennifer, but I am remembering
her service. She is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
January 16, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer A. Valdivia:
Jennifer gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Pastor Frank Noyes
September 18, 2008
Dear Family of Petty Officer 1st Jennifer A. Valdivia,
We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.
Very Sincerely
Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)
Cassie Davis
August 5, 2008
I loved Jen very much and I am deeply sorry for her untimely death. I will never forget the memories her and I have from bootcamp, training school, and our first duty station at TugOps. Jen was a special person and she will be missed.
June 18, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Petty Officer 1st Class Valdivia!
mike cawte
January 4, 2008
Thanyou ...your name will live forever more..from a Brit
Sandi Breckenridge
September 25, 2007
We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Jennifer A. Valdivia, will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May we always remember:
FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!
Billy Clark
September 20, 2007
To my Jen
I love you my dear, and I miss you with all my heart.
Your fiance Billy
Debra Young
September 19, 2007
Thank you to all who have signed Jennifers guest book. I just found this page tonight. I miss Jennifer so much. I do appriciate your words and condolences. Jen was my super sailor (a joke we hade for her (ss)sharp shooter pin). She was a very special person. Her smile lit up my world. to those of you who were her friends She was very lucky to have you, even for a short time. To those who didn't know her, I wish you could have.
Thank you all for you support.
Jennifer's mother,
Deb
August 22, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
August 6, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Petty Officer 1st Valdivia and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses her! May God bless all of you!!
Florence McSween-Elkins
July 31, 2007
To All Parents
“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of Mine,” He said.
“For you to love the While he lives and mourn for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years, or 22 or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief.
You’ll have his lovely memories as solace and relief.
“I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are some lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to take him back again?”
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we’ve planned.
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.”
I share in your loss; Proud Mother of Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Adam McSween EODMU-11; IKA near Kirkuk, Iraq on 04-06-07
Thomas Gardner, SMSgt, USAF Security Forces & Chief Airfield Manager (Retired)
May 13, 2007
Dear Jennifer and Family
This is a fitting day to honor, admire and pay tribute to women soldiers. Mother’s Day is a day that pays tribute to the woman that is always a caretaker, courageous and a protector of her family. As a Mother hen spreads her wings to protect her chicks from death and will sacrifice her life if needed, so has Jennifer spread her golden wings to protect each American Citizen from evil and give back to each one of us another day of Freedom. We are eternally in your debt for your sacrifice. You have established your right of Motherhood and to be in the presences of the Creator of the universe.
May God bless your family.
Robyn Garside
April 23, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Kim Smith
April 13, 2007
It's been a few months since your loss and the hole in your heart is still raw, I know. I am so sorry for what your family is going through. Please be comforted knowing there are more people than you realize effected by this tragedy. Even in death she will not be silenced.
Peace to you and comfort,
From one who Understands
Allison Heimbeck
April 4, 2007
To Chris, Deb, and Jeremy, I'm so sorry about the loss of Jenny. We had the greatest times together and it's hard to believe that she is gone. I'm very thankful for the time that we spent together. She was a true friend and I will miss her dearly
February 14, 2007
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING OUR FUTURES.... YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
REST IN PEACE DEAR HERO
Trudy Lowe
February 13, 2007
My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.
Dennis & Pam Robertson
February 12, 2007
We are saddened to hear of the loss of another soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you during this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle & Aunt of Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 6, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Valdivia family in the loss of Jennifer. I did not know Jennifer, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Jennifer you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Vickie Fullbright
February 1, 2007
Tim & I are so sorry to hear of the loss of Jen. I will always remember the times she had with her pony and always that smiling face.My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow.
Deb I miss you ,we were friends for so many years and it breaks my heart that we no longer keep in contact.I think of you often .Please know that you can still call or drop in anytime or email me.
take care
all our love Vickie ,Tim & Josh
Mallory Roberts
February 1, 2007
As a veteran of the Navy myself I can only imagine what the family must be going through. I wish I could knew more about her. The Navy is not a place for just any woman and having an idea of how much she must have loved it speaks volumes. God Bless you all and Thank You.
CJ
January 31, 2007
My Heart and Prayers go out to the Family and Friends of Jennifer.
Remember her smile, laugh and the great times you shared.
May those memories help ease your pain.
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is to never die"
Robert Orr
The price your loved one paid for me will not be forgotten.
Darla Wakeland
January 31, 2007
Deb & family - You are in my prayers. I have such good memories of Jennifer on her pony. That was a long time ago but I will never forget her smile. The service she did for her country also will not be forgotten. Call if you need anything.
Jason Pavlica
January 29, 2007
To the family of MA1 Valdivia, My deepest condolences to you. I served with her in Bahrain 2 years ago. She was a great person. She will be missed.
Becka Anders
January 29, 2007
I knew Jenny as a child and i will always love her. I have nothing but good memories of her.
Lee Sirotnak
January 28, 2007
As we offer prayers for your family in this time of sorrow, we will also offer prayers of thankfulness for the work and sacrifice of your Seaman, Jennifer. God Bless your family, may you find joy in your memories of her, and peace and comfort in knowing that there are many military families keeping you in our hearts.
Rhonda DeLullo
January 27, 2007
For Jennifer Ann's Family:
I wish to extend my condolences on the loss of your Loved One, Jennifer. I know that she will be greatly missed. May you know that myself & many other "unknown" friends share in the loss of Jennifer, her contribution of service and as a human being. I am a member of an organization called Soldiers Angels. We send mail, packages, etc. to individuals serving in our Military to remind them of how appreciative so many of us are of their commitment & courage. We also are here to provide support to family members of those who are currently serving or have previously. Either myself or any other member are available to you & your family during this difficult time. Again, I extend my sympathy to you all, but I especially want you to know how proud I am of Jennifer & the contributions she made in life & the courage of her convictions.
Sincerely,
Rhonda DeLullo
Bobbie Compton
January 26, 2007
My deepest gratitude for this young heroine's courage and sacrifice to defend County and Freedom. May family and friends find peace and comfort in memories. My heart aches for all of you.
Jamie Stickle
January 26, 2007
To the young family. Jeremy I personally know that this is going to be the most trying time for you I know how much you loved your sister. I was just sitting here thinking of some high school memories that are absolutely hilarious. It is so hard to laugh at these memories right now with tears in my eyes. I pretty sure she would prefer the laughing though. That smile of hers could just set the room on fire she was so full of life! Always managed to bring me up when I was down. TO the rest of the family I wish you peace within yourselves with the achievements in her life it was a life well spent and one for all of you to be so proud of! She will be missed!
Angie
January 25, 2007
I would have been so honored to have met your soldier. My family is so blessed to have her protecting them. My thoughts and prayers are with you every step. God bless.....
Frances Panther
January 25, 2007
Debbie,
My sincere sympathy. I send you love and strength.
Pat L
January 24, 2007
Valdivia FAmily & Friends: I am so sorry about the loss of your Precious Loved One & one of America's Daughter's. I pray that the God of Comfort & Peace will be very close to you , especially @ this most trying time. Sincerely,
Penny Skinner
January 24, 2007
Dearest Deb and Family: So very sorry to here about the lose of your loved one.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.God bless you all Michael and Penny Skinner
Paige Bruegger
January 24, 2007
Deb and family, I just wanted you to know I'm here for you, if you need anything at all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Paige Bruegger
Bev Thorman
January 24, 2007
You have my "Deepest, Deepest Sympathies"
Gary Allain
January 23, 2007
Petty Officer 1st Jennifer A. Vadivia
you are my hero may god keep you in his arms forever.
January 23, 2007
To the Family of Petty Officer 1st Jennifer A. Valdivia:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To her family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss her, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Sandy Bonesteel
January 23, 2007
I am the mother of one son, now enlisted in the Army. I want to send my condolences and let you know that my heart aches with you. You will be in my prayers.
SHIRLEY DONEY
January 23, 2007
GOD BLESS YOU JENNIFER, YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR WINGS IN HEAVEN FOR SERVING YOUR COUNTRY, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOLD CLOSE TO YOUR HEART ALL THE MEMORIES, I HOPE THEY BRING YOU COMFORT IN THE MONTHS TO COME.
Karen Hickman
January 23, 2007
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one.Please accept my deepest sympathies. Jennifer, is my Hero.
Karen Hickman
January 23, 2007
God, petty officer 1st Jennifer A. Valdivia, is home now. please let her family find comfort, in knowing she is with all the other Hero's.
Garnet Jenkins
January 23, 2007
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Petty Officer 1st Jennifer A. Valdivia, with a multitude of Thanks for this Brave Young Heroine's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
The price Jennifer and her family have paid, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May she Rest Safely, in God's Care and may God's Loving Peace and Comfort be with the Valdivia family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago
"Surely He hath borne our grief,
and carried our sorrows."
Isaiah 53:4
May you find comfort and strength, in the beautiful memories of times spent with Jennifer.
Quietly and gently, may healing come, with each new day.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
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