Jennifer will be remembered for being highly intelligent, down to earth, gracious, kind, fun-loving, and for her huge, heart-warming smile – with her eyes always twinkling. She was very humble, despite being extremely accomplished in her personal and professional life. She was a devoted mother, a loving daughter and sister, a loyal friend, and a giving member of her community.
She and her family moved to Colorado when she was three years old. She lived there most of her life, aside from the 10 years she spent in Utah pursuing her PhD and working as a scientist.
As a young girl, Jennifer was precocious, and she remained curious, driven and ambitious throughout her life. She was a member of the National Honor Society at Arapahoe High School. She studied ballet, played competitive soccer, and enjoyed water sports throughout her childhood and teen years.
While earning her degree in Biochemistry from Colorado State University, she received numerous awards and certificates of recognition, as well as the distinguished Colorado Scholars Scholarship from the College of Natural Sciences.
After completing her PhD in Biochemistry, she was a Senior Clinical researcher, most recently at Merck. She was a tenacious leader and worker, managing teams who conducted critical research on cures for cancer and viruses.
She dedicated her personal time to raising her children with warmth and generosity; although she enjoyed gardening, hiking, and time with family and friends, her kids were her primary source of joy, meaning and purpose.
Jennifer is survived by her children Brendan and Keira, her mother Karen Garrus, her father James and stepmother Sandra Garrus, her brother James III and wife Katherine Garrus, and her stepsisters Stefanie Sanderson and Jennifer Boyd.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that people contribute to Brendan and Keira’s separate custodial accounts. Anyone interested in doing so may mail a check made out to Brendan Ellison or Keira Ellison to:
James T. Garrus III
c/o Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery
6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121
A Celebration of Jennifer's Life will be held Friday, November 2, 2018 at 10:00 am at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121. Jennifer's cremated remains will be interred privately, at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Garrus family.
