Jenifer Christy McCauley

PHOENIX – In the evening of September 28, 2022, our beloved daughter and sister passed away at the Arizona Heart Hospital. She was battling a variety of potential health issues; however, her departure was unexpected. She was born on February 8, 1968, to Walter F. and Rosemarie D. Book in Phoenix, AZ. At an early age, her family moved to California and then Oklahoma before returning to the Phoenix area. She grew up in Phoenix where she attended Madison #1 Elementary School. She then followed in the footsteps of her mother by attending Xavier College Preparatory, graduating in 1986. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and felt this gave her a grounded connection throughout her life, especially when it was chaotic.

In middle school, she loved architecture and designing houses, just for the fun of it. Her family felt she was destined for this as a career. She loved all things French, which was why she studied the language for all four years in high school; years later she was elated when she was able to travel to Paris, albeit for work.

Unfortunately, her life had some difficulties. Despite this, she was always the life of the party and enjoyed making others laugh and feel comfortable in any setting. She loved her family and the special annual holiday gatherings which brought everyone together.

She is survived by former spouse, Chris; child–Elizabeth and her husband Stephen; grandchildren–Kaylee and Logan; and her father Wally and brothers Steven and Michael.

She always reserved space in her heart for her daughter, Elizabeth. In her life, Elizabeth was the greatest gift she was able to give another family when she gave her up for adoption, but this was also the biggest missing piece–until she was reunited with her fifteen years ago. Establishing the relationship with her daughter gave her a chance to see how big of an impact her love had on Elizabeth’s life. Even throughout her daughter’s childhood, while Jenifer may not have been there in person, Elizabeth grew up loving, and looking up to Jenifer as her birthmother every single day. In person, she continued to make a huge impact on Elizabeth’s life, and filled her grandchildren’s lives with love, and many fun memories.

A memorial service is being held at Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue in Phoenix on Thursday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m. (a rosary will be said in her memory at 10 a.m.). If you wish to attend the memorial service virtually, visit www.staphx.org on the service date and time to access the live streaming from the church. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the patio at Ajo Als, 5101 N. 16th Street in Phoenix.