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Jennifer Ann McLellan

Jennifer Ann McLellan, 51, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on June 15, 2020.

 

Jennifer (known affectionately to many as Jenny or Jen) was born on June 10, 1969 in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in Overland Park and attended Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic School and Bishop Miege High School, where she graduated with the class of 1987.

 

Jennifer was truly a “Jenny of all trades”, spreading her warmth, humor, and sharp intellect as she engaged in a wide range of professions, from riverboat casino craps dealer to bone marrow transplant coordinator for the National Marrow Donor Program. She spent many years working with prominent ENT practices in the KC-metro area as a medical assistant and surgery scheduler.  She also volunteered for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, helping abused and neglected children as they sought to find permanent homes. Most recently, Jennifer was studying to obtain a doula certification for hospice care.

 

Jennifer was a deeply giving and thoughtful woman who consistently went out of her way to help others and support organizations and causes that touched her heart. Over the years she lovingly treasured her canine companions and provided foster care to dogs in need.  She loved to travel, including a recent journey to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in 2018.  For her 50th birthday in 2019, Jennifer joined a volunteer mission to Tanzania with Marafiki Africa followed by a trip to Turkey to visit friends.  She loved photography, history, reading, learning about her Scottish heritage, and the music of Lyle Lovett.

 

Jennifer is preceded in death by her parents, Harold (“Mac”) and Louise (“Sweetie”) McLellan, her biological mother, Diane Henritz, and her brother William (Bill) McLellan.  She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by many, including her biological father Michael McLellan and his wife, Kathy, her brother Alex McLellan, and her sisters Marie (Roland) Charles (Collierville, Tennessee) and Jane (Robert) Card (Darlington, Maryland), as well as her nieces and nephews, Melinda McLellan (New York); Clare McLellan (Los Angeles); Luke McLellan (Kansas City, Missouri); Sarah Larson (Olathe, Kansas); Malcolm and Michael Charles (Collierville, Tennessee); and Elizabeth, Alex, and Andrew Card (Darlington, Maryland).

 

A celebration of Jennifer’s life will be planned at a later date, but the family hopes everyone who knew and loved Jennifer will carry her kindness and generosity of spirit with them in their daily lives.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the many causes Jennifer devoted her time and energy supporting, such as KC Pet Project, Marafiki Africa, Planned Parenthood, Point Foundation, or Amy McGrath's Kentucky Senate campaign to unseat Mitch McConnell.  The best way to honor Jennifer’s life and what she stood for right now would be to wear your masks and VOTE.

 
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Condolences

Beth Gialde Jun 20, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

This news broke my heart. Jenny was so important to me at a time in my life when I needed a good friend. She taught me so much about kindness, music, and how to fully love. We had great philosophical conversations sprinkled with craziness and that unforgettable laugh of hers. She helped shape who I’ve become and I am a better person for knowing her. My love to all of those that are feeling this loss. And I know there are many. If she touched your life, you will never forget the impact she had on the world. I’m certain that wherever she is, she is surrounded by dogs, music, and love. Rest in peace, my friend.

Betty Sanchez Jun 20, 2020

Sister in law to Michael MxLellan ,Tucson

It was heartbreaking to hear of Jennifer's passing. She seemed so vibrant and full of life. I wish I could havespent more time with her. My love to all those who will greatly miss Jennifer in their lives.

Tricia Suellentrop & Shaun Gregory Jun 20, 2020

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Kathy & Michael, very,very sorry to hear of Jennifer's passing...she was funny, sassy, generous and it was a pleasure to know her. Tricia & Shaun

Mike and Kathy Dunn Jun 20, 2020

Friends ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jenny at this very sad time. Kathy and I saw her many times over the years. She had her share of difficulties, but what I remember are her laughter, keen intellect and sharp wit. (So McLellan)! She had a wide range of interests, traveled extensively and, beneath the surface of occasional cynicism were the heart and soul of a woman who cared deeply about the hurts and needs of others. The world is a poorer place for her untimely passing. Rest In Peace, Jenny. And may those whose lives were touched by hers find comfort in having known her.

Elaine St Martin Schwing Jun 21, 2020

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I am so saddened to hear of Jenny’s passing and know Sweetie and Harold have welcomed her with open arms. I lost contact with Jenny years ago, but have many wonderful memories of her beautiful smile while growing up. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anita Schuessler Jun 21, 2020

Family friend ,Dallas ,Texas

The merit of a person’s life should not be measured by the number of years they lived, but by the number of lives they touched during their life. Jennifer’s legacy will live on through all she met during her life. My love to the whole family during this time of loss.

Sandra Stoner Jun 25, 2020

Friend to Kathy McLellan ,Sacramento ,California

Kathy, thanks for sharing this picture of a life well lived. What a beautiful person. I know it is heart breaking to experience this loss of one so full of life. Sending thoughts of comfort as you move through these days of remembrance and letting go. With love and a hug, Sandra

Tom Brandt Jan 05, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I happened upon this beautifully written obit quite by accident and am deeply saddened today. We were drawn to the adventure of being the first craps dealers in KC. We all seemed to be searching for or running from something, and what a wonderful adventure it was. Jen invented Trixie, a quick witted, sharp tongued, untamable free spirit as her persona on the game. When the adventure faded, we all went our separate ways again. I'm glad Jen realized what most of us could see: The world didn't need another Trixie; it needs more Jens.