Support for the children of Jennifer Brink

The world lost two beautiful souls July 3, 2021 in a unimaginable camping incident that happened while they were sleeping and,  in a moment, Jennifer Brink and Jeff Nelson were gone. We are overwhelmed with gratitude that Jenn's three young children were sleeping in the other camper that night.

Although we recognize a loss of this magnitude will be forever with them,  we want to do everything we can to support Brayden, Braxton, and Jazzy in their future financial needs as much as possible. 

The three children are going to need counseling to learn how to cope with their loss. They also  have upcoming medical costs (notably orthodontics), sports and activity fees, and expenses for the upcoming school year. We are  also hoping to set up 529 plans for each of them to help pay for any higher education they pursue, including college, trade school, or registered apprenticeships. 

A donation account is also set up through P1FCU under "Children of Jennifer Brink," either in person or by calling the credit union. 

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Obituary 

A beloved mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, Jennifer Patricia Brink died in a tragic camping accident with her fiancé, Jeff Nelson, in the early morning hours of July 3, 2021. Born in Lewiston, Idaho on October 15, 1985 to Edwin and Kathryn (Long) Brink, Jenn grew up in the valley and was homeschooled by her mother. She completed her GED through Lewis-Clark State College. As an adult, she was the owner of a housekeeping business, serving many clients in the Lewis-Clark Valley. She was also pursuing an Associate’s degree.

Jenn’s top priority in life was her children. She loved them fiercely and everything she did was for them. She was amazing at interior decorating and loved creating a beautiful home for Jeff and her children. She was also an extraordinary cook who could create delicious meals out of whatever was available. Always looking out for her Grammy Barb, Jenn would often bring her meals, announcing herself as “Meals on Wheels.”

Jenn loved the outdoors and passed on her love of Creation to her children. She and Jeff often took the children camping with her extended family and made many lasting memories at the family property near Dworshak State Park. 

Her immediate family members were her anchor in life and her greatest encouragers. The first love of her life was her dad, Ed. He bought her a pair of diamond earrings when she was one year old, wanting to be the first man who bought her diamonds. They worked side by side as he taught her about cars and tools and running backhoes and remodeling houses. Jenn and her mom, Kathy, were best friends. Jenn called her in the mornings on her way to work, rarely missing a day. Kathy and Barb taught Jenn the housecleaning business; as young girls, Jenn and her sister Jess worked alongside their mom as helpers, and years later, Jenn took over the business when Kathy retired. Jenn and her sister were so close throughout their lives. Jenn was born fourteen months before Jess, and they were inseparable as young girls, dressing in matching clothes handmade by their mom, and sharing adventures and shenanigans with their cousins Nikki and Deena. 

Jenn had finally found happiness and contentment in her life and had many plans for the future. On December 28, 2020, her soulmate Jeff Nelson asked her to marry him, and she said yes. He told her, “You can stop looking – you have met the man of your dreams – and of course, the most handsome.” He was an amazing dad to her three children. 

We will always remember her smile, her laugh, her sweet personality, and her caring heart. When you think of Jenn, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. 

Jenn was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Harold “Doc” Long; her paternal grandparents Delores and Edwin Brink Sr.; and her aunt Patricia “Patty“ Brink Carter. She leaves behind her parents Edwin and Kathryn of Lewiston; her three children, Brayden, Braxton, and Jazzlyn Coy and their father Brandon Coy of Lewiston; her sister, Jessica (Wesley) Andrews and their two children Elizabeth and Clark of Moscow; her maternal grandmother Barbara Long of Lewiston; Uncle Doug Long of Lewiston, Idaho; Uncle Wayne Long (children Justin and Beau) of Lewiston; Aunt Donita McCarty (Danny and children Daniel and Deena) of Bend, Oregon; Uncle Tony Brink of Lewiston; and chosen Aunt Debbie Bartlett and cousin Nikki Kidder of Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, donation accounts to support her children have been set up through P1FCU and through gofundme.com/jenniferbrink. 

The family sends a heartfelt thank you to friends Mark and Diana Swanson and all the Dworshak neighbors, as well as to all their family and friends for the overwhelming love and support that has been shown. 

We will close with a tribute written for Jenn and Jeff by a friend after hearing of the tragedy: 

Absolutely beautiful morning, 

It is peaceful, quiet, and a gentle breeze is blowing. 

There was a terrible tragedy here on the mountain yesterday. Two beautiful peoples’ lives were lost. 

Absolutely heartbreaking. 

Friends and neighbors, you are in our thoughts and prayers. 

I believe the serene peace we are feeling this morning is because two beautiful souls are together, watching down over everyone. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 10 at 2336 22nd Street in Clarkston, Washington. Please follow the sign at Appleside and 3rd Avenue to the venue. Please bring a potluck dish to share, along with lawn chairs and a cooler of your favorite beverages