Jenny Gole

This bench is a resting place and a loving memorial for our beloved sister and daughter. While you sit here enjoying the serenity and beauty of nature, please take a moment to learn about our Jenny and all those treasured humans we have lost too soon. _____________________________________

Jennifer (Jenny) Marie Gole died by suicide April 18, 2025 at age 34 in Grand Rapids, MI. Jenny is survived and deeply missed by her loving parents, Thomas and Laurie Gole, her sister Melissa, brothers Justin and Ryan, brother-in-law Shelby, and nephews Isaac and Asher (Lee). Forever cherished and remembered by their extended family and friends: Aunt Susie and Uncle Al Phelps (Lisa and Randi), Uncle Dave and Aunt Kathy Gole (Amy, Mark, and Becky), Uncle Daniel and Yvette Gole (Jason, Michelle, Danielle, Phil, Jessica, and Peter), Uncle Dick and Aunt Marge Gole (Patty, Gerard, and Steven) the Racalla/Jordan family: Cathy (Jenna, Rachel and Joe) and the Miller family: Uncle Paul and Aunt Pam (James and Chris). Jenny is preceded in death by her grandparents Ted and Dorothy (Gole) and Art and Bea (Heinzel), as well as her nephew Eli (Lee), her godmother Aunt Dot (Gole) and her cousin Stacey (Giesen). Jenny had many passions and hobbies, including drawing, painting, rock climbing, camping, hiking, biking, and bike polo. She loved seeking out new adventures with her friends and family. One of her greatest companions was her beloved Irish Terrier, Saoirse-meaning "freedom" in Irish-a name that perfectly captured the spirit with which Jenny lived her life. She was daring and courageous, unafraid to stand up for what she believed in, and always ready to advocate for her values. Her bold sense of style reflected her bold personality. Jenny was witty and sharp, often delivering the perfect zinger with an open-mouthed smile. Her laugh was joyful and contagious, a sound that brought lightness to any room she entered. Music was central to Jenny's life-it shaped her, grounded her, and brought her joy. She was happiest with a guitar in hand and a folk song on her lips. A talented songwriter, Jenny shared her music at open mic nights, house shows, and around the campfire. She poured her soul into every performance, and you could feel it in every note of her voice and strum of her guitar. Jenny loved her family fiercely. She cherished time together, especially during spirited games of Catan, Euchre, or "May I" rummy. Her smile shone brightest when she was playing with her nephews, Isaac and Asher, whom she adored as "Aunt Jen." She also deeply valued her visits with her Grandpa Art, growing close to him before his passing in 2020. After earning her bachelor's degree in Women and Gender Studies from Grand Valley State University, Jenny was determined to make a difference. She saved lives through her work as a phlebotomist with Versiti Blood Centers, traveling to mobile blood drives to help those in need. Many of these happy memories of Jenny are not recent. After a long and courageous battle with bipolar disorder, the weight of depression eventually became unbearable. We ask that you remember Jenny for the way she lived-with a spark of fire, joy, and the profound impact she left on everyone lucky enough to know her. Her first tattoo read: "So shines a good deed in a weary world." In her memory, we ask that you carry that light forward-offering kindness, compassion, and understanding to others who may also be navigating darkness. To help others better understand suicide, we share this perspective from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Suicide is often the tragic result of serious mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia-conditions that can cause immense suffering and desperate hopelessness. These illnesses don't just affect mood or outlook; they can distort reality, cloud judgment, and make it extremely difficult for someone to seek help, follow through with treatment, or even recognize that they are ill. In that way, mental illness can be just as fatal as any physical disease. When we begin to see suicide not as a moral failing or personal choice, but as the devastating outcome of an illness, we can approach the topic with more openness, understanding, and compassion-and honor those we've lost with the dignity they deserve.

Below is a link to Jenny's memorial video, lovingly created by her siblings, Justin Gole and Melissa Lee. https://youtu.be/ZL2rT94XWQ4?si=tUQGPsHbrLj1NJZf