Jennifer Ann Wetzel

Born on March 28, 1980 in Lewiston, New York and raised in Bel Air, Maryland, Jennie’s inner light and laugh were contagious, and she brought joy to everyone around her. From a young age, she was a loyal and protective daughter, sister, and dear friend. She graduated from Bel Air High School and went on to attend the University of Maryland College Park.

At UMCP, she followed her passion and became a fire protection engineer, a rare field of study. During her studies at Maryland, she immersed herself in student life, proudly supported her fellow Terps and played baritone horn in the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band. Jennie made lifelong friends and gained mentors who helped shape her into the strong and successful woman she went on to become.

After graduating from Maryland and later earning her Professional Engineering certification, she went on to work for notable consulting firms and traveled the world. Throughout her career, she refined her self-described ‘nerd’ status and mentored junior engineers in the field. Through her personal growth, Jennie expanded her creative pursuits and developed a passion for cooking and jewelry-making .

Despite spending ample time abroad, she felt most at home in Maryland and surrounded by her family on Fenwick Island in Delaware.

Even through her diagnosis and battle with stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2016, her spark may have dimmed, but it was never extinguished. With courage, determination, love and support, Jennie triumphed over cancer and had remained in remission.

Just two weeks ago, Jennie celebrated her 43rd birthday with family and a proper Maryland crab feast. While we are deeply saddened to know that was the last time she was in our presence, we are filled with bittersweet gratitude knowing that we showered her with joy and love.

Jennie will forever be a light in our hearts, and we hope to hear your stories and reflections of your time spent with her and what she meant to you.

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Jennie is survived by her parents, Chuck and Jane Wetzel, her sisters, Stefanie Wetzel Osterloh and Carla Wetzel, her cherished nephews Connor and Chase Osterloh, and many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly.

Receiving of friends for Jennifer will be held Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schimunek Funeral Home, 610 W MacPhail Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014. A memorial mass will occur Monday, April 17, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Margaret, Bel Air, 141 Hickory Rd., Bel Air, MD 21014.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jennifer's name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22470 New York, NY 10087, or to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Office of Development, 750 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202, please indicate donations should be directed to the Pediatric Burn Center.