At the request of her family, ReachOut Crest View organized a project to memorialize the beloved community leader, classroom volunteer, and mother of two Crest View students, who died on January 4, 2025 (obituary). Through this memorial fund, over $10,000 was raised and put into Crest View Elementary, a school both of Jennifer’s children attended.
A small group of PTO leaders and teachers, all close friends of Jennifer, came together to design a special space within the school ahead of the start of the 2025 school year. We chose to transform the back section of the school library — home to the library’s picture books, or “Everybody books” — into a calm and inviting area for students to gather and read. Jennifer, an avid library volunteer, often chose to tidy and shelve books in this space.
To honor her love for this space, we reimagined it with warmth and whimsy. The existing decorative drywall became a playful facade, featuring an awning, woven basket lids, and fretwork accents. Seating was always sparse in this area, so with input from Jennifer’s daughters, we selected a large, colorful, sectional couch — a cozy centerpiece that now welcomes students of all ages. A large green tree, chosen by Jennifer’s youngest daughter, has moved around the library, delighting children of all ages.
Jennifer’s artwork graces the freshly painted walls, interspersed with a quote from Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, who visited our school in October of 2025 and added her golden signature.
My eyes crinkle into crescent moons and sparkle like the stars. Gold flecks dance and twirl while stories whirl in their oolong pools, carrying tales of the past and hope for the future.
The newly designed area has quickly become a favorite among students.
I recently spent time with my fourth grade students in the newly designed library space, and it was great to see how much they enjoyed it. The creative seating quickly became a favorite, giving them fun and comfortable places to gather an learn together. It was a meaningful experience to see the space, inspired by Jennifer Carey’s aesthetic and warmth, being used and appreciated by the kids of our school. —Cassie Rossi, 4th grade teacher
Jennifer made a big impact during her time volunteering at Crest View. She was capable and friendly, unafraid of any task she was handed.
I miss Jennifer every day — I think I always will. Working on the library space was soothing for me during a raw time with little soothing. Thank you to all the Carey friends and family who generously donated to this project. I hope you can visit the space and feel both Jennifer’s gracious, playful spirit and the deep love this community holds for her and her family. —Millie Marshall, ROCV Chair and good friend
