Ward-McLeran Memorial & Financial Family Support

The Ward-McLeran family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Jennifer, who tragically passed away on April 18th, 2022, just shortly after her 49th birthday. She left behind her best friend and spouse, Angela, and their beloved twin sons, Ben and Lennon, age 13.

Jennifer had been hospitalized since January 2022. Her initial diagnosis was pancreatitis, a very painful and delicate condition. However, that was just the beginning. Jennifer went through several tests, diagnostics, procedures and imaging, resulting in multiple diagnoses, and further complications followed. After an agonizing 2.5 months at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa she was sent via life flight to ICU at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She then underwent more rigorous testing seeking answers to the progressive symptoms and complications she had experienced over the previous months. It was then that Jennifer and the family received the devastating news of an additional diagnosis, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Her family spent the last three weeks traveling back and forth from Iowa to Minnesota to be by her side.

Jennifer was a wonderful wife, mother and teacher who touched the lives of many. Her smile could light up a room, and she was an instant friend to anyone who met her. Her love not only extended to her family, but also friends, students, animals, and all living things and was evident through her abundant care and heartfelt compassion.

Jennifer loved their boys fiercely and was one of their biggest supporters always cheering loudly at their basketball and soccer games. Watching Jennifer suffer over the last few months, spending precious moments and saying goodbye as they were by her side to the very end, is by far one of the most difficult and unimaginable things these boys will ever endure.

Through these unfortunate series of events, the family has sustained substantial expenses. Extensive medical care (procedures, diagnostics, medicine, chemo, ICU) for the last several months, the travel expenses (gas, hotel, food) from the recent weeks leading up to, and now expenses associated her death ($3000 in just cremation). In addition to the loss of Jennifer being a major disruption to the family unit, Angela is now a single parent.

Please help this family in need to ease their financial burdens by donating in memory of Jennifer and for the support of her family. Any amount is appreciated, no amount is too small, every little bit makes a difference. Prayers for Angela, Ben and Lennon are always welcome!

On behalf of the Ward-McLeran family, thank you for your support. Every day is a precious gift that is not promised. We encourage you to take a special moment to hug your loved ones. God Bless!