Jennifer L. Phipps

Jennifer Lynn Phipps, age 57, passed away peacefully in her sleep from the effects of Multiple Sclerosis on Saturday surrounded by her family and her beloved caregivers.

Jenny was born on September 4, 1958 in South Bend, Indiana. She graduated from Riley High School in 1976 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Indiana University in 1980. She earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1990.

Jenny began working for the Internal Revenue Service in 1995 and worked in the South Bend Office until her disease forced her to retire in 2010. She loved working for the IRS and thought the tax code made “perfect sense”.

Prior to working for the IRS, Jenny managed the Fonda-U Fondue Parlor in the 100 Center and worked at Joey’s, Doc Pierces and Holly’s Landing.

Jenny is survived by her mother, Barbara Phipps of South Bend and sisters Shelia Phipps of Columbus, Ohio and Pamela (Bill) Kennedy of Niles, Michigan. She is also survived by her niece Allison Kennedy, many cousins scattered throughout the US and England, and her caregiver Jessica Doms of Mishawaka. Jenny was preceded in death by her father on September 28th, 2010.

Prior to her disability, Jenny loved doing needle work and created many beautiful gifts. She was known in the family for wrapping gifts that were nothing short of artwork. She also loved to read, cook and watch TV.

In her youth, Jenny was active in 4-H Horse and Pony and became especially attached to Princess, her POA pony and Sun Agun, her AQHA Palomino gelding.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Jenny’s caregivers, with whom she resided, Jessica Doms, Tiara Johnson, James Johnson, James Jr and Jamir, you were her family for the past six years, and you took amazing care of her.

The family would also like to thank Jenny’s Hospice nurse Ed from Great Lakes Home Care for the care and comfort he provided in Jenny’s final months.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend where friends may visit with the family from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22nd, at the Southlawn Cemetery, 61300 U.S. 31 South, South Bend. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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