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Jennifer Wells Obituary
Sept 7, 1961 - Feb. 6, 2021
Jennifer Elizabeth Wells left us too soon, on February 6, 2021, a year after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. She was 59 years old and lived in Orinda, CA. Jennifer was born on September 7, 1961 in Ridgewood, NJ, to Wayne and Jean Wells, who predeceased her.
Jennifer loved children: her nieces and nephews, her babysitting charges, her students. She was an extraordinary teacher and a champion babysitter, piling kids in the unreliable station wagon for adventures. Jennifer's generous spirit showed with every birthday card and care package.
Jennifer graduated from Mary Institute in St. Louis and, having inherited the Wells math gene, earned a BA in mathematics from Beloit College, and an MBA from University of San Francisco. After working in Boston as a software trainer at Delphi McCracken, she became a true teacher and professor in the city of her dreams, San Francisco, at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, the University of San Francisco and Dominican University. Jennifer brought math, statistics and accounting alive even for the numbers-averse. Her exams included extra-credit questions about Michael Douglas, her favorite baseball players and Jimmy Buffett. With her personality and humor, she gave thousands of students new competence and confidence.
Jennifer had many passions—some might call them obsessions. One was Bravo TV and every single Real (and unreal) Housewife. She visited all 50 states. She loved books and went to countless signings, with Andy Cohen's and Elin Hilderbrand's among her favorites. She even had a cameo in Elin's 28 Summers, which thrilled her. She exercised four hours every day, shocking doctors who checked her pulse. None of us will look at a Diet Coke, an In-N-Out Burger, a Costco or an orange tabby cat without thinking of Jennifer.
Jennifer was a long-time volunteer at Kaiser, whose hospice team took the most thoughtful care of her. Her dearest friend Maisie Hom held Jennifer's hand the day before she died and reminded her about the many lives she touched and the abundant love she gave and received. If life is measured by the people you touch and inspire, then Jennifer's was big and full.
She is survived by her siblings, Jeff of Dunedin, FL, Linda of New York City, and David and Anne (Merriman) of Westport, CT, along with eight adored nieces and nephews, countless friends and former students, and her beloved cats, George and Harold.
The family will plan a memorial service after the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Wells
Sue
February 8, 2024
Remembering you with great fondness , Jennifer , you will never be forgotten
jennifer wells
October 17, 2023
that aint me im right here stayin alive
Michelle Kolinger Culbertson
December 21, 2021
Jennifer was my very favorite professor at USF. She brought accounting class to life for me. I remember her always having a Diet Coke nearby while teaching and she would often come to class right after a workout at the Koret Center. I ran into her a couple of years ago at Costco (almost 20 years after graduating) and I was able to tell her how much I appreciated her. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. God bless her family and close friends. She was a wonderful woman and I am grateful to have been one of her students.
Susan O Donoghue
September 4, 2021
A lady with a very big heart , I will miss sharing our stories of what´s happening in our lives , and letters and cards we sent to one anther over the last 38yrs , God bless you Jennifer it was a privilege knowing you .
V
March 6, 2021
God bless and condolences to the family.A lovely soul with bountiful appreciation and care.
Hutton Cole
March 3, 2021
I think Jennifer was one of the first people to meet our kids when they came home from the hospital. Although it’s been a few years since she came through New Canaan & I had the chance to see her, she remembered All of our birthdays EVERY year. Hallmark will miss her business. We will miss her profound thoughtfulness! She touched many lives & we are lucky to have been among them.
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