Jenna Johnson Obituary

Always finding some interesting stories about Jenna. Found a letter from one of the writers today that I wanted to share along with some pictures.

We are giving out our 6th scholarship tomorrow in memory of Jenna at her high school along with a wristband. Jenna's boss and mentor Frank Pace from the George Lopez Show, had these bands made in memory of Jenna. They were distributed to 200 people whose lives Jenna touched during her last year in California – the soccer team she coached, people at Warner Brothers whom she worked with, Mohawk Production people, the members of the George Lopez Show, and other friends that Jenna had made. We had 300 more bands made to distribute to family and friends outside California. The bands were made with the Miami colors – Jenna's alma mater of which she was so proud, her name, the date she died at the age of 22, and the words – “ALL IS CALM AND BRIGHT.”

The story behind these words helps me to deal with the loss of Jenna. In this story her passionate faith is displayed, and if we have faith like Jenna, we can get through this tragic loss.

On December 17, Jenna received an email from her good friend Sharon Swab, whom Jenna lived with in California for 6 months. Sharon was in New York, and wrote to inform Jenna that her best friend Jon had died that morning due to complications from AIDS. Ironically Jenna had just raised $6,242.00 for the AIDS Project L.A. (this was the marathon Jenna was training for.), with her partner, Adrian Elizondo. Sharon had just let Jenna know about Jon's death refering to "Silent Night" as Jon could "sleep in heavenly peace"
Jenna wrote this letter of condolence to Sharon 20 hours before Jenna collapsed on December 18th:

“Sharon,

Jon could not have had a more beautiful spirit holding his hand as he breathed his last breath. Sharon, you are a light to all those you encounter and touch in this life. Jon's heart was burning with love because it was you by his side. I am dedicating Sunday mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to Jon. May he enter into the fullness of life with His Creator and may you, Sharon, find peace in knowing that Jon will always be cared for, cherished, and loved. ………………………………….. My prayers are always with you. All is calm and bright.

Always with love,

Jenna”

Another example of Jenna's strong faith was in an email she sent to her friend Meghan upon the tragic and untimely death of Jenna's friend Jessica on August 6th, 2005:
“She was such a bright and wonderful girl who had her whole life ahead of her. But, you know, when God calls, He calls, and it was just her time to go. Really makes one stop and think about how precious and temporary life is. Our time here is like a drop of water in the ocean or a grain of sand on the beach compared to eternity. Let's make sure we live life to its fullest and fill it with love.”

Jenna did live life to its fullest and we should all do the same.

Jenna,

I met you when I was a freshman in high school and I came to the UM soccer camp. You took em under ur wing and u even came to one of my high school games to watch me play. You wre such a great mentor. I remember coming to some of ur UM games and even meeting ur parents. I think about u often and u still have a strong influence on my life. sometimes I live by something u once told me..."dont focus too much of ur energy on ur weakest points but rather strength ur strongests aspects". I wish I could have said good-bye. My heart will forever go out to you and ur family.

Kristin

I had a dream about Jenna last night. Dreamt that she was schooling me in basketball as she always did. Woke up feeling sad and looked up her website which reminded me that yesterday was the anniversary of her death. I can't believe, having just turned 23, that I'm now older than Jenna ever got to be. She always seemed so much older than me - like a big sister you look up to. My heart still breaks for you guys. I hope that you're able to find peace this holiday season, even without your precious girl. Sending so much love.

Saw jennas pick on north campus field while driving home from work, the picture reminded me of her dedication not only to soccer but also to other sports she played in..I remember a time when she played soccer in the morning and came to a basketball game with so much energy in the evening. it was a delite to play with her.

WELL EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW JENNA SHE SOUNDS LIKE SHE WAS A GOOD PERSON AND MADE EVERYONE LAUGH..A PERSON LIKE HER IS SOMEONE YOU CAN ADMIRE AND WANT TO BE LIKE.. I FOUND OUT ABOUT JENNA WHEN I WENT TO WORK AND I SAW A PICTURE OF HER AND IT SAID IN MEMORY OF JENNA I COULD NOT STOP THINKING OF HER AT WORK BECAUSE ITSO SAD HOW SHE DIED. MY RESPECT FOR HER FAMILY.. I KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVE. WE MISS YOU JENNA EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW I RESPECT YOU FOR THE PERSON YO WERE.

In Orlando, it's a rare need to have to wear a sweater at any time of the year...but today was one of those rare days. As I rushed out the door this morning from my newly un-packed apartment and grabbed the first sweater I found in my closet, my UM fleece, God reminded me to slow down. When I pulled the folded sweater off the shelf, a note I had saved from Jenna slowly swayed from the shelf down to the floor. Although I've read the note many times before, I think of something different every time I read it. As I sat there on the side of my bed this morning re-reading the note another time over, today, I thought about her contagious laughter. Man oh man -- J could get me to giggle so hard I sometimes couldn't stop.

Maybe, life myself, you're in the middle of a routine filled day. But, when you get a momemt of silence to yourself, take a moment and remember Jenna today. Personally, I feel it was the most productive thing I have done ... and will do all week.

I just thought about jenna today, I opened up a box and my wristband in her memory that the guys from the George Lopez show made was right there. I was in a different pace group than her, she continues to be a driving force and every marathon Ive run since then, the wristband was with me. She continues to inspire me.

I never knew Jenna but she sounds like an amazing person with great friends. She also sounds like a great soccer player. I am a 10 year old soccer player who wants to be like her someday. I will keep her in my prayers and remember her while I play in the tournement.

I know it's been almost two years but I still think about "My Favorite" all the time. She was, by far, the coolest person I've ever known and am so glad to have met her. We played soccer together on Windy City Pride and maintained a friendship throughout our separate college lives. (Although I would have loved her to go to the Academy with me!!) She always had something motivational or up lifting to say no matter how dire the situation seemed. She truly was an amazing person. I always looked forward to our random phone conversations and even got a chance to see her in CA! I still have her phone number programmed in my phone, hoping that one day I'll get that phone call from her, even though I know it's not possible. I miss her terribly and am just happy that I was forunate enough to have known her. My prayers go out to her family.

Even tho I had never met Jenna,I felt I wanted to read all the posts
here from her friends and family members.....and I might add,Jenna sure was loved by all...
The REASON for my interest in her life is,I have a grand-daughter and
she is 10 years old now,and her name
is Jenna Elizabeth also...of course
our last name is not the same,but because your Jenna shared the same names as my grand-daughter,gave me the interest in "knowing" her thro her family and friends.
I hope you don't find this an invasion of privacy here,as that would be the very last thing I would want to do.
I am a very caring person,and my heart goes to you for your great loss.
This may sound silly to some,as I did not know your Jenna,but whenever
I call my Jenna I will think of yours too......and I will show my grand-daughter this memorial site.
Take Care and God Bless

Jenna Johnson was my best friend in L.A. She was the only person who could talk about life with me and really make some sense out of it. About a month before she passed away, I was so fortunate enough to tell her that I appreciated her and that I was glad God put her in my life. She got embarrassed but she smiled so I knew she liked that. She was one of the only people at work that I told that I wanted to be an actor because it's so cliche and everyone else would laugh at me. She didn't. She simply switched our conversations to Marlon Brando and the acting world. Even though she had no desire to act, she found a way to keep a connection with me and she did that with Marlon Brando. This girl was a true friend , a kindred spirit and lifetime companion. Whether she was to one day become your wife, your sister-in-law, your roommate or just an acquaintence, you would have been lucky to meet such a woman. This woman with such a loving heart, a passion for life, and a passion for love was able to turn my boyish thoughts on life into those of a grown man. No one will ever be a better running partner than she was and I will never visit Santa Monica Beach without thinking of us running near the shore at ten o' clock at night because we had to train. I really want my running partner back. I know I was able to tell you goodbye the right way when you came to me in my dream but I just can't help it; I miss you, Jenna...

The reason I am writing this is to try to cope with the loss of Jenna. Most of this is just random thoughts that have been rolling around in my head, that I tried to organize and put into words. My own brand of therapy, if you will. If you read this I hope that you can take some solace and comfort from it.

The night of Jenna's funeral, my brother's family and I spent some time with Uncle Kurt, Adam and Maryanne. Mainly because of the day that we just had, but also to visit with my mother (Linn - Kurt's sister) who flew in for the wake and funeral. As we all sat and talked, my Uncle Kurt pulled out an old dusty box. In it were items from my Grandfather's past. An old Swedish passport, a boat ticket, his wallet, pictures, etc. As we looked through the history in the box, waves of emotion swept over me. Partly because of the passing of Jenna, but also because of the memories of my Grandfather.

My Grandfather passed away many years before either Jenna or Adam were born, so they never knew who he was. My brother Bob and I always made it a point, however to tell them stories of Grandpa Gus, whether they liked it or not. They always started with looks of curiosity followed by looks of "here they go again."

A history lesson first:

In the late 1920's a young man emigrated to America from Sweden. His name was Gustaf Albin Wilhelm Johansson. In case you were wondering, Johnson should really be Johansson. He was a member of the Swedish Calvary, but yet he was allergic to horses, go figure. His Engish was poor at best and he lived on coffee and apple pie until he learned more. When his English got better, he had the stereotypical Swedish accent. Things like "yumpin yimminy" come to mind.

I was named after my Grandfather, but my Mother thought it would be mean to name a child Albin Wilhelm, so she settled with Alan William. Even though I was named after him, he called me "baby" for the first year or so.

By the time I got to know him, he was much older. He had lost his leg below the knee because of poor circulation. As a 7 year old it had a "traffic accident" quality to it (you shouldn't look but you couldn't turn away). It was always a big treat for my Brother and I to try to do "wheelies" on his wheelchair. He also had lost the tip of his thumb in a machine accident - which made for a very scary "thumb trick." Also he sustained ligament damaged on his pinky, so he could never extend it. He always tried to get us to staighten it for him. I also remember him singing to us a lullaby in Swedish, and teaching us how to say please and thank you in Swedish. My fondest memory, however, was when my Grandpa Gus would get his Social Security check. He would always get a roll of quarters and throw them to my Brother, my Cousin Ronnie and myself. We would go diving over couches and chairs for them. Because my Brother and Cousin Ronnie were bigger than me, I usually lost out.

My Grandpa was also a very stubborn man. He used to, with one leg, go up and down our front steps with his wheelchair. He would get mad at anyone who tried to help him. He also loved to play cards with Swedish buddies Gus Leander and Murphy. Apparently it was a tough game to get into.

I guess you are all wondering what the purpose of this "history lesson" is. Well, here goes. I wrote the following letter to Grandpa Gus for Jenna.

Dear Grandpa Gus,

This is your Granddaughter Jenna. Not Yenna or baby. She is Kurt and Maryanne's daughter. You can't miss her, she looks just like Kurt except she is a girl, and she HAS hair. You left us before she was born, so please show her around.
I don't think she'll be afraid of your leg, but the "thumb trick" will definitely freak her out. See if she can fix your pinky, she is a lot smarter than we ever were. Don't let her do "wheelies" on the wheelchair she could get hurt. Please sing to her in Swedish, and teach her how to say please and thank you. I hear she's a pretty good card player and she will do anything to get in the game, after all she is just as stubborn as you.

But most of all Grandpa you had better get two rolls of quarters for Jenna. Even though she is smaller than Bob and me, she's quick. Also, I don't think that one roll will be enough of a challenge for her.

Love,
Alan

P.S. Please say Hello to Grandpa Baloun and Grandma Dorothy. We all miss her down here, but I'm sure they will be glad to see her.

I lived with Jenna for 2.5 years and played soccer with her at UM. She's pretty much the friend that changed my life, asking me hard questions, and encouraging me to the very end.

"Our Jenna", o man I miss her. I laugh when I think of the day her mom sent us a live lobster in the mail and we gave it a chance to accept Christ before we dropped it in the water. We couldn't stop laughing, and about this time of year, Jenna and I went to New York and did everything possible in 3 days. She LOVED christmas. She loved wrapping up in big scarfs and comfy banana repulic jackets. I miss her so much. Everytime she comes into my mind, I pray for Adam and Kurt and Maryanne, who I know God is carrying because Jenna alsways prayed for them. I love you JOHNSON FAMILY! I wish me and sygns could come and give big hugs and just talk! I miss our Jenna

I played on Eclipse with Jenna, she was such an amazing player and inspiration to all who came in contact with her. I recently ran the NYC Marathon in honor of Jenna. The shirt I wore in the race said 26 Miles for Jenna on the front and the amount of people who yelled out her name in support and encouragement was incredible. It was like Jenna was running the race she so much wanted to run. Jenna was such a special person I am so happy to have known her.

MY JENNA



People in our family always referred to Jenna as “my Jenna.” Her Mom would say “my Jenna,” Uncle Jimmy would say “my Jenna.” We all wanted Jenna to be ours, and we were blessed that she was all of ours for almost 23 years. I remember bringing Jenna and her Mom home from the hospital on Christmas day 1982 – Jenna was dressed in a little green elf’s outfit for Christmas. She was the most special gift we ever received on any Christmas. All in the family came by our house that Christmas to see the new baby. I was the proud father of a baby girl. From that day on, I was always proud of my Jenna.



At 2 ½ years old, she was tying her own shoe laces(this quite a feat for a toddler), and trying to teach the other pre-schoolers how to tie theirs. That’s my Jenna. In the 4th grade at St. Cletus she began to play the saxophone, and before the year was over they put her in the 8th grade band. Mr Ward, the band instructor said, “every once in awhile we let a 6th grader in the 8th grade band, and I think that once before, in my 25 years, we let a 5th grader in the 8th grade band. But this is the first time we ever let a 4th grader in the 8th grade band.” That’s my Jenna. When she was 14, she started on a U-18 traveling soccer team. Jenna always pushed herself to be the best at whatever she chose to do. I was always so proud of my Jenna. She was awarded a college scholarship at Miami and started her freshman year until she was hurt. In her junior year, she was chosen to be the team captain. But it was that year, when Jenna and her coach clashed and she was kicked off the team that the true spirit of Jenna would emerge. She was devastated when her college soccer career was abruptly ended and all her efforts to get back on the team failed. It’s what Jenna did at this low point in her life that made me so proud.



She took the extra time she had without college soccer and that summer she won a U-22 national championship with her club team – Eclipse. She played on the Chicago Cobras semi-pro team that went to the final four. And best of all, she made the starting line-up on the United States National Select Team and represented her country in a game against the Australian National Team. It was this weekend that she met Frank Pace of Warner Brothers and the great opportunity which he offered her. On her return to the University of Miami for her senior year, she decided to try for the Rhodes scholarship. She had all the attributes and although she did not get selected, she did get through the many stages and she was a finalist for one of the most pretigious scholarships offered. I was so proud of my Jenna.



She graduated with high honors in 3 ½ years from Miami on December 16, 2004. Right after her last Christmas in 2004, she and her brother drove out to California so that Jenna could do her internship with Frank Pace and Warner Brothers. What I thought was to be a 2-week stay turned into a job on the George Lopez Show. And “our Jenna” became “their Jenna” – from the girls on the soccer team she coached to all those she worked with on the G-Lo Show. It was at the memorial for Jenna on the stage of the George Lopez Show 2 days after her death that I saw what a great young woman Jenna had become. The stories of her faith, generosity and her ability to relate to people at all levels made me so proud of my Jenna yet again. I could feel the love and respect from each of her friends and coworkers.





Jenna was all of ours – but in reality, the one who Jenna ultimately belonged to was God and she is with him now. The only way to get through this loss is to have faith and believe like Jenna believed. Jenna prayed for all the people in her life and she prayed passionately to be with God in everlasting life. “Our Jenna” always strove to achieve the most, fast – this time we have to believe that she achieved her ultimate goal of being with God in eternal life. “My Jenna,” “Our Jenna” is “His Jenna” now. I’m sure that God is as proud of her as we are.

Kurt,Maryanne and Adam,

Because you may not hear us everyday, does not mean you are ever out of our prayers and our minds. Your Maryville sister,Ann Marie Kinnas Seidelman

To Jenna's Family,

Today, while packing up my room to move to grad school, I found a letter that Jenna wrote to me during my freshman year at UM. I've kept this letter over the years because Jenna's sincere words offered me comfort and gave me strength in a difficult time of my life. As my weightlifting partner on the soccer team, she literally and figuratively was a supporting teammate. Although I have never met your family, I do know that if Jenna had the chance after her unexpected death, she would have liked to offer her family the same comfort and strength she lent to countless others during her lifetime. As you know, she cared about making other people's lives easier, she did things to make their days better - her letter to me is evidence of how she was able to put smiles on faces and faith in hearts. After reading her letter today, I was struck with the realization that what Jenna wrote to me about the healing process is probably similar to what she would want to say to you, her loving family, to put smiles on your faces and faith in your hearts. Part of her letter follows:



"I do realize how frustrating, difficult, and depressing the healing process is, but you have to know you are doing a wonderful job. It's OK that you are upset. It's normal to be fed up and sick and tired of life right now. If you were in the happiest spirits, I would be worried, but I am not worried. I'm not worried about you because I know you have the strength and the faith in God that you need right now to get through this. And when it's all over, said and done, you will be able to help others battle the same demons. And I know it's more important to you to be there for others than it is for yourself. You have a great heart. Always keep that, no matter how hard it gets. Make sure you cry, kick, and scream every now and again. You're only human. Smile when you're miserable. Sometimes we must show God our appreciation for the challenges he sends our way. Anytime you need me, I will be there."



I share these words with your family in hopes that you can find the same comfort and strength in her words as I did. In knowing your daughter, I can only expect that your family faced God’s challenge with the same unique blend of strength and grace that Jenna personified throughout her life. She would be so happy to know that her spirit continues to inspire and her words continue to encourage.



God Bless and Be Well.

There are things people will never understand and this is one of them. Jenna and I were very close as most people knew. Kurt, Maryanne and Adam thoughts and prayers will always be with you. She IS a special person that will always hold incredible memories with myself and I am sure many others.

I was Jenna's athletic academic advsior at UM. Jenna made my job so easy, I never had to worry about here academically. Jenna was a pure joy to work with and I am lucky to have known her. Please know my thoughts and prayers have been and continue to be with your family. -Leigh Husband

I played soccer with Jenna at U.Miami, I was a freshman when she was a senior and she was my "big sister." On the day before my classes started, because I was freshmeat, she showed me how to get to all of my classes from the dorms; and when we ran until I wanted to quit the soccer team in preseason she was there literally holding me up and telling me that it was gonna be okay. Jenna was an amazing person, and I will never forget her. I'm so sad to see her go, but I know that the Lord is taking great care of her. I love you Jenna.

What can I say? Jenna was my roommate freshman year and my teammate for 3 years at the University of Miami. Freshman year was a hard time for both of us and in the beginning, we really didn't get along all that well but it didn't take long for us to become like sisters. I've never met someone who was there for me unconditionally like Jenna was and still can't believe that she's gone. I knew I could call her at any time, day or night whether I needed advice or a ride home. Kurt, Maryanne and Adam...yall knew how much Jenna and I meant to each other and please know, I wish I could have taken her place or prevented it. I think about the 3 of you all the time but I think that we know Jenna is in a better place and is where she needs to be. I love and miss all of you and thank you for blessing me with your daughter's life. She'll always be my sister...



love, Brit

Maryanne,Kurt,and Adam, We would just like to say how very sorry we are for your loss. If there's anything we can ever do for you please let us know. We will always be here for you. Our prayers are with you every day. Love, Carrie and Roberta Jovanovich.

As I sit here at my computer writing this with tears streaming down my face, I cannot forget the smiles and moments I shared with Jenna. We both attended the University of Miami together and I was such a fortunate soul to be able to share a class with her and become her friend. We connected on such a deep level that I felt I had found "the" sister I always wanted! As I logged on to the UM web site, I read of her passing and began to break down. I never met her brother, but if he's reading this, just know that Jenna wanted to bring you with her to college. She'll always take care of you, trust me! To her parents, there aren't any words that could explain to you how I feel for your loss, but if you could see my face now, it would say it all. This entry is a bit long and I appologize for that, but it served as an outlet for me. I am and shall always be a "true friend" to Jenna. If I can do anything for anyone who knew her, feel free to ask, she connects us all!

Maryann, Kurt, and Adam,

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Jenna was a wonderful person on and off the soccer field. She will be greatly missed by all...

The Johnston Family

Maryanne and Kurt: As I've mentioned before, thank you for bringing Jenna into my life. Jenna was the best gift that I could have ever received. I could not have asked for a better God-child then, Jenna. She was my light and brought the best out in myself and everyone that she touched. I will miss her for the rest of my life and know, that in good faith, I will see her again. I love her so much and it pains me to let go in a way that I'm unprepared. She will always be, "my Jenna."

I am so sorry for your loss. I coached Jenna in baskeball at LT and she was an amazing competitor. I will never forget her.

Dear Kurt and family, I can't imagine what it would be like to loose a child so I won't pretend to. My deepest prayers are with you. AnnMarie Kinnas Maryville class of 1969

MaryAnn,Kurt,Adam



I would like to say how sorry I am for the loss of Jenna she will always be in our heart and prayers



Love The Tremble Family

I just wanted to say how much Jenna will be missed by me and my family. Jenna was my sisters Kristen's best friend in the world. Jenna was such a wonderful person and full of life. I am very proud to say that Jenna was a part of our lives. Jenna was the nicest person I have ever knew and I extend my condolences to her family and friends. Jenna you will always be loved and remembered by everyone you touched in life!

MaryAnne, Kurt and Adam,

We shared so many happy times with Jenna on Windy City Pride...Our very deepest and heartfelt sympathys are extended to you. Jenna was a beautiful person to have known...now she will be waiting for you and all her many teammates from this life to join her in another...Brenda, Charlotte and Will

KURT, OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL FATHER, THE LOVE AND CONSTANT SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN YOUR CHILDREN.

MAY IT BE A SOURCE OF INNER STRENGTH & COMFORT, TO KNOW~

JENNA IS WATCHING OVER YOU~ NOW AND ALWAYS. WISHING YOU PEACE AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

A heart breaks when a young one moves on beyond our touch. Jenna guest played with us at Millennium Soccer Association in Indiana. She helped MSA Chaos win several tournaments and became a team favorite. She will be missed.

But as usual Jenna gets to goal first!

Mark, Julie, Jennifer, Meagan, Kimberly, and Kelly Grzanka

I would just like to express my deepest sympathy to Jenna'a family. Jenna played basketball on the sophomore team for me at Lyons Township as a freshman. Jenna decided part way through her sophomore year that soccer was the avenue she wanted to pursue, not baskteball. I know the decision was not easy for Jenna because she didn't like the idea of letting anybody down by not finishing what she started. She was the type of person who gave 100% all of the time to whatever she dedicated herself to do. Jenna will remain in the hearts of all people who's life she touched.



God Bless,

We became friends with Jenna while playing soccer for Windy City Pride. She was an amazing athlete, and a wonderful friend. She knew what she wanted and went for it and she lived the life she dreamed. She is loved and will be missed.

Jenna: "My Favorite" will especially miss all the great times we shared. This world is a lonelier place without you.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Kurt and his family. My family has known Kurt for over 20 years and know how much his kids mean to him. Jenna was such an accomplished young lady and on behalf of the DeLeshe and Patrick families our thoughts are with all you during this time.

I have known Jenna for the longest time. Jenna and Adam were the first kids I ever babysat. I love them both so much. I have watch Jenna grow up and become a beautiful young lady. She had such ambition and so much to give to others. Words cannot even express how sad I am for her lost. My heart goes out to Maryanne, Kurt, Adam, and the rest of the family.