Jennifer Lynn Barnhouse, 50, of Geneva , died September 20,2021 at her home.
She was born February 17, 1971 to Steven and Eileen Schonfeld in Akron, Ohio.
Jennifer suffered with a large number of significant medical issues over her lifetime. She endured many painful surgeries, countless hospitalizations, and a diagnosis of two rare auto immune diseases. As a result of this all, Jenn suffered from mixed chronic intractable pain. Her personal medical journey as well as her work as a nurse in various settings gave her a unique skill set for her advocacy work.
Jenn has always been an activist and a volunteer. She dedicated many years of advocacy fighting and representing chronic intractable pain patients, their caregivers, and the health care practitioners that treat them. Jenn was instrumental in forming the national advocacy group A.T.I.P. -The alliance for the treatment of intractable pain. She did a significant amount of legislative advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.
Jenn loved to meet new people, introducing herself so "we aren't strangers".
Jenn was creative and emotional in the most honest and beautiful of ways. She dreamed big, loved deeply, encouraged and supported many, and most importantly- she laughed. Jenn not only fought for those she loved but for anyone who needed her help.
Jenn loved to talk. Friends joked that from afar you can tell what kind of conversation she was having by looking at her arms and hands. The more excited she got, the bigger the gestures. Jenn also loved surprising us with different hair colors, her sock monkey collection, and fishing.
Jenn is survived by her husband James, parents Steven and Eileen Schonfeld, brothers Douglas Schonfeld and Jonathon Schonfeld, and her beloved cats Zoey and Julius.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7pm on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, Ohio (440) 361-2273.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jennifer's memory to National-pain.org.
www.LakeErieCrematory.com