Santa Cruz

Jennifer Lynn Wagnaar passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024 in San Jose, CA after a valiant battle with cancer.

Jennifer will forever be remembered for bringing the fun to family parties.

Always the first to arrive at any gathering, Jen loved to cheerfully greet every guest at the door with abig smile and awarm hug. She had a heart of gold, full of kindness for all, though she was known to get serious at the card table - showing no mercy for her opponents during her favorite Kings on the Corners games.

Born and raised in San Jose and a graduate of Oak Grove High School, Jennifer took great pride in being the mother of her beautiful children Jessica and Donny. She also enjoyed her career in early childhood education working as a preschool teacher.

She loved creating art projects and activities for her young students. When her own grandchildren arrived, Jen was overjoyed to spend time watching them blossom.

Jennifer most recently lived in Santa Cruz where she enjoyed walks along West Cliff Drive and gardening in her yard.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Chuck Wagnaar; her children Jessica Mejia and Fermin Don "Donny" Mendez; her beloved grandchildren Mariana and Artemis; her father Paul Arnold; her sisters Karen Andrews, Barbara Arnold, Kristine Borrison, and Janet Borrison; her sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, loving nieces, and large extended family. She was predeceased by her mother Marie Arnold and her brother Brian Arnold.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jennie on Saturday November 2nd at 2:00pm at Santa Teresa Church in San Jose.