Jennifer MacDonald Spinden

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Jennifer MacDonald Spinden. Jennifer left us peacefully on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 52 following a heroic battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Born on March 11th in Fremont, California to Dona Lewis and Melvin (Steve) MacDonald, Jennifer was a loving and devoted wife to Jason, her husband of 26 years, and a caring mother to her children, Kate and Will. Her loved ones were always the center of her world, and her unwavering love and support were felt by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Jennifer had a natural ability to brighten any room with her warm smile, kindness, and selfless service to others. She devoted her life to her family, creating a home filled with love, comfort, and cherished memories. Her love for her children knew no bounds, and she guided them with compassion, patience, and wisdom.

Jennifer grew up in central California before moving to San Diego where she graduated Magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing. With an unmatched work ethic, attention to detail and organization skills, Jennifer was a consummate professional who put one hundred percent into every task, resulting in successes across many roles in her career and personal life.

After college, Jennifer’s career took off during the ‘dot-com’ boom serving many roles as the Human Resources Director, Facilities Manager, and Call Center Manager for multiple startup companies including Red Envelope.com then shifting to work for the City of Escondido as Director of Finance before focusing her talents to be the world’s best mother and wife. Jennifer and her family relocated to Liberty Lake / Newman Lake, Washington, where Jen quickly made many friends and connections with the local mom’s group and through serving in the children’s area at her church, One* Spokane.

To stay close to Kate and Will, Jen also worked for West Valley School District, and later started her own business as a pet sitter, loving and caring for over twenty “fur babies”. Jen inspired many through her passion for healthy living. From eating vegan and exercising, to spending much of her time outdoors camping, hiking, and being on or near lakes, she always took advantage of all that nature had to offer.

“Kindness is Free, Give Generously” was Jennifer’s core philosophy and the way she lived her life. She was fond of loving “big”, paying attention to the most minute details, and making those close to her feel seen. Let’s all make the world a better place in honor of Jennifer and give “big love” generously…

Her gentle spirit, selflessness, and love will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. While we will miss her deeply, we find comfort in the knowledge that her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to God will continue to inspire us every day and know that she will continue to provide guidance and strength.

Jennifer is survived by her husband Jason, children Kate (20) and William (18), mother Dona Lewis, father Melvin “Steve” MacDonald, brother Mathew Amaral (Megan), sister Marcy MacDonald McCoy (Nolan), brother Andrew MacDonald and many friends and family who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of life to honor Jennifer is being planned and will occur at a later date.