Jennifer Bareno

Bareno - Jennifer Bareno, of Rockford, MI, suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away December 5, 2020.  Jennifer is survived by her husband of 28 years, Paul, her sons, Andrew and Nathan, her mother, Elaine Kelly, and her siblings Paul (Beth) Kelly, Karen Markward (Mike Horjus), Mark Kelly and brother-in-law David (Laura) Bareno.  She was also Aunt Jenny to Sean (Kim) Kelly, Emily (Steve) Amato, Brian Kelly, Elise (Kelly) Shaheen, Austin (Leah) Markward, Jake Bareno, and Brooke Bareno. Jennifer was preceded in death by her father, Gary Kelly.

Jennifer had an abounding love for others.  Her career was spent in the human services field at St. Johns Home, The Bridge, Children’s Leukemia Foundation, and most recently as a Client Services Manager at Arbor Circle.  Her friendships were deep and lasting, and included those she had met at First (Park) Congregational Church, Grand Rapids Central High School, Michigan State University, Rockford Public Schools, and various youth sports programs, where she was fondly known as the “team mom”. 

Jennifer was a tremendous sports enthusiast.  She was always the loudest cheerleader, especially for her sons’ teams and the MSU Spartans.

Jennifer was also an avid photographer and scrapbooker.  She created beautiful photo albums that serve as a reminder to a life well-lived. 

A memorial service to celebrate Jennifer’s life will be planned for spring, 2021.  Those wishing to honor Jennifer’s life may make a contribution to Arbor Circle  - www.arborcircle.org.