One of my very first best friends in life died today and I am heartbroken.
Jenessa and I met at a Jewish preschool when we were three. We remained close for the next 10 years or so while attending Yavneh Hebrew Day School. I have the fondest memories of birthdays, gymnastics classes, and camping trips together. She was an integral part of my childhood.
Jenessa went on to become a teacher at Yavneh, the very school that played such a huge role in our lives. She was also a gifted writer and advocate, blogging first about her experiences as a gestational surrogate and then later about her fight against colon cancer. Jenessa gave me the push I needed to insist on a colonoscopy to diagnose my Crohn’s Disease. I am grateful to her.
Jenessa outlived her prognosis by more than seven years. She is remembered by her two beautiful children who carry on her brilliant spirit. My heart goes out to them and Jenessa’s family and friends. She is missed and loved by so many. May her memory forever be a blessing.
Mini trampoline fun, Me and Jenessa (age 3)
Today’s #OneGoodThing is remembering the beautiful life of my dear friend Jenessa Schwartz. Sending my deepest condolences to her family. What was your #OneGoodThing today? Please share in the comments! And remember, kindness is everything!
Day 305 of 365. And Now Totaling 2,862 Days In A Row. Here’s the first 366 and the following 365, as well as year three, year four, year five, year six, and year seven of #OneGoodThing Daily!
On this day…
- 1 year ago: Baking cake once more
- 2 years ago: Happy “NO”vember
- 3 years ago: Winter sheets time!
- 4 years ago: Overjoyed to be home
- 5 years ago: Crunchy Autumn leaves
- 6 years ago: Freezing feet solved
- 7 years ago: Leftover candy and a good appointment
- 9 years ago: Reappearing
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Categories: OneGoodThing
#OneGoodThing Daily 
My sympathy to you, and to Jenessa’s family. How hard to lose such an important person in your lives.
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It is so brave and strong of you, Gabriana, to write “One Good Thing” today.
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Thank you for sharing about this beautiful friendship. Jenessa impact was beyond measure. My whole family benefited from her gifts as a teacher at Yavneh and I will always remember her smile and comfort in knowing we are still with her in each musical note we utter from our lips. May her memory forever be a blessing.
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What a beautiful tribute to Jenessa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jenessa’s family.
Her memory is a blessing.
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I know she will be included in the Kaddish list at Shir Hadash tonight. She touched MANY students. Her memory will be a blessing.
https://www.yavnehdayschool.org/2023/11/01/jenessa-schwartz-condolences/
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