"I stubbled across this online obituary about Jennifer B. Although I never met her ?this story was very touching and heartfelt. I too have a young daughter and I know that a mother is very important to a young girls life. To the daughter: Although your mother is no longer here on this earth ?She will always be your special ?guardian angel? and watch over you, help you wipe your tears, and smile with you when you find your favorite passions in life. No matter how hard these times may seem ?you may find comfort knowing that your mother?s legacy, loving memories, and her wonderful accomplishments will live forever?and all of this will grow with you and keep you strong as life goes on. I?m very sorry for your loss. Take care and God bless you & your family. Chicago Mom "
In loving memory of
Jennifer E. Brunner
June 25, 1975 - January 23, 2018
Jennifer Ellen Brunner left this world peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, with her husband Kevin Brunner and her daughter Magnolia Mae Hickman by her side. A friend and inspiration to all who crossed her path, Jenn lived life to the fullest. Whether working or playing, Jenn put her heart and soul into everything she did.
Born June 25, 1975, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin to Timothy Newman and Julia Lambert, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, WI in 1993. She graduated with a BS in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998, which led her into a distinguished career in animal research. The light of her life, Magnolia Mae, was born in 2000. Earlier in that same year, she started working at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, where after a few years she began monkeying around with Kevin Brunner, and found the love of her life. She began her career at the USGS-National Wildlife Health Center in 2006. Jenn and Kevin were married in the presence of friends and family on August 23, 2008.
She enjoyed traveling with her family throughout the U.S. as well as internationally. Jenn was a lover of a variety of music and it was often used to communicate her feelings to others. An avid and extremely talented quilter Jenn worked many long hours alone and alongside members of the Madison Modern Quilt Guild turning out works of art on a regular basis. She maintained a healthy diet and frequent yoga instruction, even as she battled the malignancy that would cut the length of her life short. Being Maggie's number one fan whether for skating, track or volleyball was also a great source of joy for her. Jenn did not let her disease define her, but continued to live and love and laugh and be. She loved and was loved deeply and broadly and will be missed greatly, but live on in all those that met her along the way.
A memorial service to celebrate Jenn's life will be held at Cress Funeral Home at 6021 University Avenue at 1pm on Sunday, January 28, with an opportunity to share light food, beverages and memories with family and friends immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Jenn can be made to Gilda's Club of Madison, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Metaplastic Breast Cancer Foundation, Agrace Hospice or to the charity of your choice. Also, look for opportunities in the coming years to support the Carbone Cancer Center by contributing to or riding with a team inspired by Jenn raising money for The Ride benefit bicycling event held each September.
Please share a memory.
Remembering our Jenn... Written by Kevin Brunner and Magnolia Mae Hickman
The prophet Mohammed said "A person's true wealth is the good he or she does in the world". Jennifer Ellen Brunner surely left this world a very rich woman. She was born Jennifer Lambert-Newman to Timothy Newman and Julia Lambert, June 25th, 1975 in Rhinelander Wisconsin. She was an early walker, showed a love of healthy food as a youngster and enjoyed playing cards and other games Jenn loved to spend time outdoors and explore nature. She had childhood pets and continued to share experiences with animals for the rest of her life, which led her later in the career choices she made.
Growing up, Jenn had many special people in her life and in addition to her parents, had a stepdad, Mark who she was very close to and she was deeply saddened when he passed away suddenly. Traveling with her grandparents Bill and June was something she enjoyed very much and recounted often the adventures and time spent with them and her cousins.
Cousins were very important to Jenn and she had many who were close to her, but none closer than her "twin" cousin Jessie. Spending time together from childhood through college and beyond formed a special bond between them.
Jenn was a hard worker, demonstrated by her ability to balance her first job cleaning motel rooms while excelling in high school, foreshadowing her work ethic moving forward. She went to high school in Rhinelander, but moved to Manitowoc and graduated from Lincoln High School there. Starting her college career in Manitowoc and graduating with degree in Zoology from the UW-Madison in 1998, she continued with an animal focused life in the jobs she would seek.
Following graduation she began working in freshwater mussel research in West Virginia, something she enjoyed immensely and also met good friends, including a lifelong friend Angie, a very special friend who remained close in her heart always even though many miles separated them for most of their lives. A move back to Madison and a start working with primates at the Wisconsin National Primate Center, was the next step in her life leading to her decision to start a family.
Jenn was married to Kelly Hickman and had a beautiful daughter, Magnolia Mae, after starting her work with monkeys. Although they would ultimately not stay married, Kelly remained close to Jenn, a great father to Maggie and became a friend to Kevin over time
After a few years at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Jenn began monkeying around with Kevin Brunner, and found in him the love of her life. While he was her supervisor for a short while, these days one has to state very clearly that they did not start dating until after she was promoted to another unit. Married on a beautiful late summer day, at a picturesque country property, in the presence of friends and family on August 23, 2008, Jenn and Kevin built a community of love and support around them.
Though she wouldn't be working with Kevin anymore, Jenn moved on from primate work to a position with the USGS-National Wildlife Health Center. It was not an easy decision to leave a safe position and move on to something new, but Jenn braved the waters and thrived at her new position. Jenn found a true work family there and loved going to work almost every day. Her passion and drive along with her long-standing work ethic and organizational skills were a perfect fit and resulted in numerous merit awards throughout her time there.
Jenn's work ethic also carried over into her creative side. An avid and extremely talented quilter, Jenn worked many long hours alone and alongside members of the Madison Modern Quilt Guild turning out works of art on a regular basis. She made extraordinary quilts for nieces and nephews, friends' newborns, fundraising events and even occasionally to enjoy herself. Her creativity and originality as well as her precision and attention to detail work a perfect match for this hobby.
Jenn also had a thirst for adventure and enjoyed travelling the globe to explore new places and local cultures. Her first adventure with Kevin took place in 2007 after doing an internet search for "rustic tropical vacation" and discovered a small fishing village just south of Puerto Vallarta named Yelapa. Like Jenn, Yelapa is full of natural beauty, life, warmth and intrigue and also, a bit wild, while safe, quiet and comforting at the same time. Once found, this hidden destination was enjoyed often by the family and shared with others at every opportunity. Visiting this tropical paradise numerous times led to new friendships with people from across the globe and a feeling of having a home far away from home, not just a warm place to travel to. Other international destinations included England, Ireland and most recently a trip that included time in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Always trying to understand the local language and traditions, as well as partaking of the local food and drink led to a better understanding of the world around us, and a deeper appreciation for her life.
Jenn loved spreading this love of life and adventure through music. While anyone who has heard Jenn sing karaoke understands why she kept her day job, enjoying and sharing music was extremely important to her. Music was a way for her to think about life, reflect on herself and the world around her, but also a way for her to share her feelings with others. Jenn often gave gifts of music to friends and loved ones that may have reflected her feeling toward them, her interpretation of who they were or just an attempt to put a smile on their face or an extra bounce in their step. She took great pride in finding the right music for each individual or event, such as the wedding, holidays, and family gatherings. She also enjoyed live music and introducing new bands, such as Guster and Wilco, to her friends and family alike. Many of you may not know this, but Jenn and Kevin's first "dates" consisted of listening to music during noon organ recitals at Luther Memorial Church on the UW campus and then sharing lunch after as time and weather allowed. Jenn loved seeing musicals at the Overture Center, including her very last family outing, just 3 weeks ago to see Rent, which was a very moving experience for all who were there with her.
Though music kept Jenn's spirit healthy, she also cared very much about her physical well-being and tried hard to use nutrition and exercise to maximize her health. She found a sense of peace in her mind and body through her yoga practice. She loved preparing healthy, unique and delicious food for herself and others as often as she could to feed the body and delight the palate. Although these choices did not prevent a disease that eventually took her life, she felt strongly that they helped in the fight and made her feel better throughout the journey. Along with eating healthy, Jenn made sure to incorporate physical exercise into her daily life through figure skating with Maggie and commuting as often as possible by bike.
Jenn was not what many would consider a huge sports fan, but when it involved people she loved she would follow sports intensely and enthusiastically. She enjoyed watching Maggie's track, figure skating and volleyball competitions. If you didn't hear Jenn screaming at a volleyball match, it might be time to get your hearing checked. She even held her own against 10,000 hometown fans at the World Championships of Beach Volleyball in Vienna last summer supporting her favorite professional volleyball player, Theo Brunner. She loved to support other family members as well, attending Kevin's volleyball and biking events as well as many other sporting events for relatives and friends.
As generous as Jenn could be with her time and talents to so many, her beloved Magnolia Mae always took center stage. Maggie was the light of Jenn's life and her biggest priority. It isn't always easy in today's world to raise a smart, funny, thoughtful, empathetic, generous, creative, active and humble, yet confident child, but Jenn did just that. One need only meet Maggie for a short time to understand that she has some of the very best of her mother's qualities in her and the more you get to know her you understand that she was allowed to become her own unique beautiful self and one that Jenn and everyone around her has been extremely proud to have a hand in bringing to this point. Wherever she goes and whatever she ends up doing in life, she will surely change the world for the better, in no small part because of who her mother was.
Diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer in December of 2015, Jenn spent the past 2 years inspiring all she came in contact with as she battled a merciless foe. Always with a laugh, a smile, an inappropriate joke or two and a game of cards, there was little to be done to dampen her spirit. Smart and sassy was her trademark and it didn't take long to realize this when you met her. Throughout this time her relationship with Kevin only grew stronger with each month, each failed treatment and each disappointing imaging session. Those who know Jenn and Kevin well, know their relationship was not perfect and that 2 quiet, headstrong, proud, sensitive individuals sometimes have compatibility issues. They had their struggles and gave each other some space and freedom, but never stop caring, loving and supporting one another. Never running toward someone else, but needing a bit more breathing room and perspective. Kevin found Jenn more beautiful than ever as the disease progressed and was fortunate to comfort and care for her in their home to the very end. Maggie and Kevin were able to be with her as she slipped away peacefully and ended her fight and her pain. A life that ended too soon, but a life lived full and well. Thank you for blessing us all with your presence in this life Jenn and know that your spirit lives on in all who knew you.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406
Tributes
"I am Kevin's 2nd oldest sister, Deb. I remember the 1st time that Kevin brought Jenn and her beautiful daughter Maggie to a Brunner family gathering. They came into mom's kitchen where, as is typical, there was a large group of us gathered around the table engaged in a rather loud and competitive game of cards. They looked like deer in headlights and I'm sure Jenn was thinking 'what have I gotten myself into!' But it didn't take long before Jenn felt right at home with the Brunner clan and became a fierce card competitor. She was always in the mood for a rousing game of Oh Hell or 500. All of us Brunner kids learned to play cards from Mom and dad and also our grandparents. I am pretty sure that dad and Grandma and Grandpa Couey have welcomed Jenn into their heavenly card club and that Grandpa has already called her a 'dirty pup' for her strategic play! Jenn was passionate about everything that she did, from her work, her quilting, her love of animals, her love of our brother and mostly of Maggie. She also brought that passion to the Brunner girls and the many adventures that we went on together. Whether the adventure was for a few hours for a lunch or dinner or days like my 50th birthday get away to Las Vegas, it was always more adventurous with Jenn!! Love you forever, Jenn and thanks for the smile. Deb "
"Right from the start, when Kevin brought Jenn home, I thought she was cool, hippy-ish and funny. Through the years, I have a lot more adjectives to describe her: quirky, genuine, caring, witty, adventurous, beautiful, courageous, and the list goes on. I admired Jenn's fierce fight with her cancer all along, but of course couldn't totally understand how it felt. That is until a day in April of last year when I was diagnosed with cancer. Jenn was one of the first people I told. We went for a walk in the woods with Boo and I blurted it out. The hugs and tears were immediate and I could feel her empathy and tenderness. Of course, with her science background, she began asking me lots of questions that I couldn't answer. But that day, she gave me strength when I needed it most. During my journey, she always made time for me to have a conversation, a big hug, dinner, card game, etc. She even surprised me and came to my first Chemo because she knew I was scared. So even though she was fighting her own battle, she was beside me helping me fight mine without hesitation. We had a bond before, but the last 9 months we've become closer by the thing we both despised the most, we had a cancer bond. Thank you Jenn for holding my hand through my journey. And it was an honor to hold your hand through yours. With unending love, Mary Roessler "
"I am Kevin's youngest sister and the baby of our big family. That is, I was, until Jenn came along. In effect, I got the best end of the deal. I got to be the baby when it counted, and didn't have to deal someone stealing my thunder til she was well past the whiney annoying phase (which I was never in, by the way...) I got to hang out with one of the coolest people on the planet, all because she happened to fall in love with my dopey brother. Jenn was one of those rare people who was always up for whatever - Hike? Yep. Band? Yep! Race? Of course! Dinner? Our house or yours. Movie? Sure. Bloody Mary's while kayaking on the Kickapoo during a race? Absolutely! Want to watch my kids? Yep. Every fricking time. Sienna was particularly graced with some serious Aunt Jenn doting . And not, "Here's some stuff" doting. Full on, let me take your kids doting. She got Sienna skating lessons for Christmas once. AND took her every week. She watched the Girls while I taught a night class at MATC and while mike and I took a slightly delayed honeymoon and many other overnights. When we moved to Waunakee, she took the girls to Chicago so we could focus on packing. We only moved around 10 minutes further away from Jenn and Kevin, but it was a move that made the impromptu dinners and visits less frequent, a gap leaving me feel a million miles away, especially after her diagnosis. Ari was lucky to have aunt jenn as her godmother. Jenn may not have taken the 'god' part too seriously, but she was an amazing 'mother' to both of my girls. Her time to fulfill that role was far too brief, and it breaks my heart that she won't be here to teach them so so many things, but they, like me, are better for having known her. I remember the kick in the gut I felt when I learned about the diagnosis. I remember her apologizing, apologizing(!) after a hike where she felt that she hadn't focused on me enough, that the cancer fight was consuming her thoughts. I remember her noting the difference in her pictures, pre vs post diagnosis. How she could literally see the difference in her soul. Cancer never lessened who jenn was. If anything, it strengthened who she was, even when it weakened her so. The essence of her gentle soul apparent as all else was stripped away. Thanks, jenn, for the memories, the adventures, the laughs, and for bringing your light and Maggie's into our lives. Oh and for always giving mike a hard time... A few things Jenn taught me for success at this thing called life: Be funny Be brave Be strong Be kind Be exuberant Be generous Be smart Be healthy Be outside Above all, be yourself. "
"My name is Chery Brunner Theis - the oldest of the original Brunner girls. I may have been old enough to be Jenn's mother, but she always treated me as a friend. I was the Queen of the Crafts in the Brunner family until Jenn came along. When I was helping her with items for the wedding, I was blown away. I thought - Whoa - I've got some serious competition for the title! Who can forget the incredible music CD jackets and invitations that she designed? Also, the wedding quilt where she had the guests sign small pieces of cotton and she turned it into a work of art! Who else but Jenn could have had the vision to find a wedding dress for $50, gotten it altered for $100 and make it look like a designer gown that cost thousands! No detail was too small and she thought of everything to make the wedding weekend an event that we all remember with a smile! I always said that I was a crafter, but Jenn was an artist. She could take small bits of cloth, thread and her time & talent and turn them into works of art that we all marvel at and cherish! I loved walking through quilt shows with her and getting her perspective on others work. One of my hopes for my retirement was that her and I would have more time to quilt together and it makes me so sad that I'll have to do that without her! Jenn lived every moment to the fullest and helped us all have more fun. She put her signature exuberance everywhere - I especially remember her rubbing slot machines for good luck! And getting us all involved dancing on the bar in Vegas! Who could resist her persuasion! She had a big smile and a full laugh that brightened our lives. She always put others first - In October when we were dealing with Carl's unexpected triple bypass surgery, we had no idea that she was receiving her own devastating news at the same time. She wanted our focus to be on his healing and not worrying about her. Always others first! In her memory, - I will try to be more passionate in all that I do, - I will try to be more loving to my dear family and friends, - I will try to be more open and caring to all that I meet, - I will try to be more fierce in how I defend what I believe in and who I support, - I will try to be more present in every moment that I am given. - I will try to more appreciative of all that I have been gifted, I will try to live up to the high bar that Jenn has set for living a good life! "
"I was lucky enough to have my path cross with Jenn's when I started working at the National Wildlife Health Center in 2010. Jenn was my boss but more importantly was my mentor and dear friend. I loved coming into her office to laugh, talk, and occasionally cry. She was a stabilizing force as I figured out my place in the world in the years after college. Her generosity, kindness, humor, and passion for science, animals, and people inspire me to this day. Goodbye, Jenn, and thank you for brightening my life. "
"I was very sad to say goodbye to a beautiful woman and colleague today. I knew Jenn only casually threw lunchroom hellos, but I knew her as a tough, hard-working, seemingly tireless, joyful woman with a fantastic wit. I knew she loved yoga and quilting and her family. I loved her colorful, this-is-me style. I thought I didn't know her very well, but based on the lovely eulogies today, I knew her better than I realized. It says something about Jenn, about her openness to embrace life, that she could covey so much of herself to those around her, even through brief meetings and moments. I really loved seeing so many of her quilts today; I did not realize the extent of her artistic talent. Thank you for the loving memorial service. It was beautiful, like Jenn."
"Kevin, Maggie and Jenn - so sorry for this result. She was one of my favorite colleagues to work with! So talented both at work and at home. Always upbeat, with that great smile. I will miss her deeply. paul slota"
"Kevin, my thoughts are with you, Maggie and Julie. My greatest sympathies go out to you. Thank you so much, Kevin, for reading my farewell message to Jenn: Dear Jenn, You will be remembered. I remember great times taking care of you when you were a little girl. I remember how you loved the donut place near our house on Vilas. Mostly from that time, I remember what a sweet, smart, funny kid you were. I remember how happy you and Kevin were when you got married. I remember how much my Mom and Dad loved you. I remember how glad Mama was to see you when you visited her at our house in Middleton when she lived with Zach and me. I remember Mama bragging about you and Maggie and showing off your pictures. I believe that your Grandma and Grandpa Lambert are near you now, ready to guide you to a peaceful place and I dearly hope that thought gives you a small bit of comfort. You will be remembered. Love, Aunt Margy"
"Julia, I didn't know your Jenn but I know you and how very much you loved her. I'm so very sorry. Karen Nelson"
"There is so much to say about Jenn. She was immensely creative, beautiful, intelligent, and fierce. Fierce in her love of her family, fierce in the way she advocated for the animals under her care, and a fierce friend. And, she knew how to have a good time too! Many of my memories of Jenn are silly and funny and I will always cherish the many good times I had with her. What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. It was an honor to know Jenn. "
"Jenn has been smart, kind, funny, and beautiful inside and out. She is my daughter, and I will think of her smile and that quirk of humor and her laughter all my life. Julia Lambert"
"An Indian legend says: " When a human dies there is a bridge they must cross to enter into Heaven. At the head of the bridge waits every animal that human encountered during their lifetime. The animals, based on what they know of this person, decide which humans may cross the bridge...and which are turned away. I can say for sure that there will be a menagerie waiting to guide her across. I will miss your smile and your laugh Jenn!"
"Kevin and Maggie, I never had the pleasure of working with Jennifer but my thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. May happy and fond memories fill your heart and soul to relieve the grief you're feeling. Regina"
"From a former colleague at the National WHC. Just coming around a corner, Jenn's smile could light up the hallway."
"Maggie and Kevin, I can see how much you both loved Jenn and will continue to love her through your countless memories. She had unlimited strength and determination to live. What lovely memories you will carry with you in your heart always and forever. She was a great role model for many of us. Love, Edi"
"I will always remember seeing your family at our picnic at Vilas Park last summer. That was a fun day. I know things will never be the same and my heart is filled with compassion. I will be at Gilda's Club tonight for our music group's rehearsal and will make a donation and sing a song to honor Jenn. In love, warm memories and song always, Jordana."
"Dear Kevin and Maggie:
I can truly say she was an inspiration to me--i fact, to ALL. I am so touched to have been even a small part of the memories you and she shared. So glad I had the chance to hug her when you and she showed me the BMW )wow!) You and Maggie and your wonderful family have so much love to share, and i know Jen's life was made easier because of it. As trite as it sounds, her love is returning to you and now surrounds you. I have always believed a person's immortality comes in part through memories of them. You filled her last days with love and care, you will now find her in all the small gestures that remind you of her. Love, Lynne"
"Kevin, while I never met Jenn I can only imagine what a wonderful human being she must have been knowing she married an equally amazing person! My heart hurts for you, Magnolia and the entire Brunner clan. Keep the memories close and she will always be with you ? ~Jennie Gagner~"
"The memories of 20 years of friendship flood my mind. I will leave you standing in your living room with the last words you said being, "I love you." I will look for you on the banks of a river, in the crunch of autumn leaves, when I'm drip drying in the summer sun, and when one of our songs comes on the radio. I am angry that our time has been cut short, but I am forever grateful that I was lucky enough to have been loved by you. Until we meet again..."
"Kevin and family please accept my heartfelt condolences at the loss of your beloved Jennifer. Wishing you strength and peace and know my thoughts are with you as you travel through this difficult time. Sincerely, Helen Van Valkenberg"
"I'm so sorry for your of Jennifer. She was an exceptional human being and friend to all who knew her. I worked with both Jenn and Kevin throughout the years at the University. She impressed me with her common sense, wit, and keen sense of observation. She made the world a better place and I'm thankful for having been able to share a small part of her life. I wish that she could have been able to continue volunteering, as an animal ambassador, with our Friday zoo crew. She was wonderful with the public and the animals. She will be missed by many. Having been a fellow Gilda's club member, it always hurts to lose a fellow survivor. Rest in peace. Scott Hubbard-Van Stelle"
"My deepest condolences to Kevin, Magnolia and family. Jenn was an angel that couldn't be contained by this world. I met her over 10 years ago at the National Wildlife Health Center and with her passing, I feel that the world lost a truly beautiful soul. Jenn was always so full of life, that we couldn't help but be affected by her charm and witty personality. I will cherish my memories of her, as I believe we all will. I hope your anguish from this loss is brief, so that you can be filled with the happiness she left us all with."
"Jennifer, you were an amazing, talented and caring individual, and a highly valued member of the team at the National Wildlife Health Center. You will be sorely missed by all. No one should have to suffer what you endured, but you did so with great courage and determination. Your life and work is an inspiration for us all; an inspiration I will carry with me always. Rest In Peace. Jonathan Sleeman"
"When we were young, no one ever expected to go through life's challenges. I am so sorry you had to endure this pain and sorrow and we will be thinking of you and hope that time will ease your pain. Our heart felt condolences with your loss. Bill and Shari Eberhardt "
"Please know we care. Fondly, Carole and Denny"