Jennifer Lora Ward-McLeran

Jennifer, our beautiful angel, left us too soon to begin her everlasting life in heaven. Jennifer was born on April 6th, 1973, to Colleen Kelley and Barry Ward in Bad Axe, Michigan. Jennifer attended school and graduated in Hillsdale, Michigan. She continued her education and graduated from Western Michigan State University, to pursue her degree as a teacher with a focus on elementary education.
Jennifer accepted her first teaching opportunity in Las Vegas, NV. It is there she met her best friend and life partner Angela. They enjoyed the fun of Vegas for two years then moved back to the Midwest to be near family. They frequently travelled and began planning their future together. They enjoyed trips to Florida visiting relatives and to soak up the sun. Jennifer loved the beach!
Angela and Jennifer decided to start a family together. They went through the selection process for a donor and in 2008 they welcomed their two twin boys, Ben and Lennon. In 2009, when the state of Iowa allowed, Jennifer and Angela made their marriage official, and was celebrated by close family and friends.
Jennifer was a wonderful teacher, mother and wife who touched the lives of many! Her smile would light up a room, and she was an instant friend to anyone who met her. She had an abundance of care and compassion for all. Her love for all living things was quite amazing. She would make a conscious effort to help, heal or save the lives of all animals, critters and even the everyday spider!
She had an unwavering dedication to her students, support of her colleagues and staff, and all whom she interacted with at Hubbell Elementary. She always went above and beyond to help students in need as an academic interventionist. Parents of her students would often express their gratitude for her genuine care, concern, and support of their children's success. The positive affect she had within the Hubbell community has been evident in the outpouring of their support following Jennifer's passing.
Jennifer loved her boys fiercely and was one of their biggest supporters. They are excellent athletes and excel at both soccer and basketball. Jennifer was always cheering loudly from the sidelines in support of Ben and Lennon. Her immense love for them extended in every facet of their lives.
Jennifer was strong and courageous and fought through all the many medical challenges she endured. She was optimistic and hopeful for the treatment options offered, with the most recent diagnosis of a rare and aggressing form of cancer. Unfortunately, her body gave up before her mind and spirit.
Jennifer's influence, positive attributes, mindset, and zest for life will live on through her children and wife. In honor of Jennifer, family and friends will have a celebration of her life on July 31st, 2022, at the Ridge Pointe Park in Waukee from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
We ask that you send prayers for her family and friends that she sadly leaves behind. A fundraiser has been organized through Go Fund Me to help the family with monetary support, for the financial burdens surrounding her medical and death expenses.
If would you like, you can make a donation here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/wardmcleran-memorial-financial-family-support.