Jennifer Broekhuizen Obituary

"Jennifer Lynn (Millward) Broekhuizen March 29, 1977 - September 4, 2023 Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9 After three glorious days spent with her children, husband and close family, Jennifer (Millward) Broekhuizen left this earth for her heavenly home as the result of a tragic car accident. Jennifer lived big, loved big and left no one without her famous hug or smile. She lit up every room and situation she was a part of: Christmas, birthday parties, church choir, dinners out with her children and husband. No matter how busy she was, there was always time for singing, laughter and people. If Jennifer met you, friendship followed. While raising seven kids in Traverse City and Hudsonville, she was the dance mom, track mom, cheer mom, soccer mom and hockey mom. She showed up to everything and cheered her kids on as their biggest fan. As a young girl growing up in Clarkston, Jennifer revealed her leadership skills early on. In kindergarten, one day when the teacher had to leave the room, standing up on a chair, Jennifer declared "I'm in charge now!" Indeed, she stood tall through many of her life's trials and tribulations, whether it was for her dear Gabriella's special needs, hospitalization for various illnesses and ailments among the other children or determining later in life to earn her doctorate in pharmacy with the kids still at home. Jennifer's childhood was spent immersed in the outdoors, four-wheeling, boating, fishing and downhill skiing with her family. This adventurous spirit laid the groundwork for raising her family, with many road and camping trips in the giant van, including multiple 26-hour drives to Disney! She was a hunter of fun and a gatherer of people, always looking for ways to get family and friends together around one of her famous charcuterie boards. If the house was full, her spirit was too. Her last days on Earth were a gift from God and a sneak peek into a heavenly future: her precious family all together spending time on the water, in the house, eating, laughing and enjoying each other immensely . . . with Jenn at the heart of it all. Jennifer is survived by her husband Tim and children Gabriella, Danielle, Dominic, Francesca, Eleanor, Vincent and Angelina Nittolo; her stepson Asher Broekhuizen; parents Daniel and Laura Millward; grandmother Patricia Dearing; siblings Chris (Nikki) Millward and Joe (Emily) Millward; niece Isabelle and nephews Isaiah, Noah, Joshua, Elijah and Asher. She also left behind her two beloved fur babies, Comet and Luna. Preceding her in death were grandparents Dale and Evelyn Millward and James Dearing; and nephew Little Joey Millward, son of Joe and Emily. Jennifer loved everybody in the way people are supposed to be loved . . . but very seldom are. In remembrance of her, dance even if everyone's watching, sing even if everyone's listening, bless everyone who comes your way with a smile even if no one's watching, and always say goodbye with the biggest hug you've got. A Funeral Service honoring Jennifer will take place at 11:00 a. m. , with visitation starting at 10:00 a. m. , on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Faith Reformed Church, 1139 E. Front St. , Traverse City, Michigan, 49686. Rev. Walter Lorenz will officiate. A Go Fund me page will be established in the near future in honor of Jennifer to help her children. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jennifer's family at her tribute page at www. reynolds-jonkhoff. com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. "