On March 30, 2021, a few days after her 50th birthday, we all lost our dear friend Jennifer Dessert.  This unexpected death has not yet been explained; none of us can quite wrap our heads around the tragic loss of this truly exceptional woman.  Jennifer was the epitome of kindness and gratitude.  She surpassed us all with creativity and contentment, loving our families and community every way she could. 

Jennifer and Kevin spent her birthday weekend enjoying one another!  There is no doubt that her final outing was near perfect.  In typical Jen and Kev fashion, they explored the Alabama Hills, visited the Lone Pine Museum, enjoyed a dog park with Sassparilla (their sweet little Corgy/Border Collie puppy - who desperately misses her mama too!).  I guarantee you, Jennifer ended her life fully content.  Kevin gave her that gift. As everyone knows, they spent every minute of her birthday weekend together.  We know this because their relationship was a journey of togetherness, a union to be envied.  They did everything together, so with Jennifer gone, Kevin's life has truly been turned upside down.  Kevin is doing his best to stay busy and distracted, he is stoic and strong.   But there is no doubt that he needs our help.  More than anything, Kevin needs companionship - if you're in town, stop by; if you are long-distance, give him a call.  If you can invite him to dinner or to join your outing, that'd be incredible.  Meals are wonderful as well.  

The purpose of this fundraiser is first and foremost to help pay for Jennifer's memorial and burial, which if you aren't aware could be a few thousand dollars.  I know we all want to help our beautiful friend Jennifer be celebrated with flowers, art, music, and friends - all the things that made Jennifer's world go round!  Please help us create a celebration of Jennifer's journey as a daughter, sister,  mother, and friend.  Above all else, she has been Kevin's everything, his best buddy, his confidant - his very best friend, his life partner.   Jennifer's beautiful life was taken far too soon - she deserves the most special send-off ever.

Additionally, the fundraiser will allow Kevin to take some time off from work.  We all know Jen and Kev lived a simple life, so our donations will go a long way to help Kevin grieve without having the burden of going to work quite yet.   Perhaps he could get out of Mammoth for a bit, clear his head, visit friends near and far.  In addition, our donations will also provide funding for Jennifer's son Tanner to make his way home to share in his mother's celebration of life without having to worry about financing the trip.  We all know this family can survive and endure anything, but to have a little surplus of funds right now would really help cushion this devastating blow.   

Kevin reminded me of one of Jennifer's words of wisdom she painted in their magical home:  Gratitude turns what we have into enough!  Whatever you give will be enough, but I challenge all of us to provide a cushion of love with our contributions.  For once it would be lovely if Kevin could have more than enough.....

Thank you in advance for your donations.  Jen and Kevin have surrounded themselves with some of the finest friends on the planet, and those of you lucky enough to call yourselves family are truly genuine people - only the best of the best could have produced such wonderful gems as Jennifer and Kevin Dessert.

May God continue to bless all of us as we heal from this horrible loss of our dearest Jennifer Dessert.

(As an aside, it would be pretty fantastic to have this fundraiser met by mid-April so Kevin can take care of the funeral expenses.  At this time, however, he has not yet planned the memorial.  Jill Orozco has created this gofundme on Kevin's behalf and with Kevin's support and participation.  All spending will be 100% approved by Kevin, administered by Jill and Kevin.  If you have any questions, please contact either Kevin or Jill.)