Yes, this is Jennifer as a reptile warrior in the front yard when she fished a dead copperhead snake out of the shrubs. This is how we prefer to remember her, and not in the fragile state in which fronto temporal dementia left her. Feel free to share your favorite memories of her, or add you message of condolences below.
OK, someone needs to write the first message. It might as well be the guy who put together the website. I mean, I need to test it – right. This would also give me a chance to set the tone of these condolence messages. Feel free to write anything you want that express how you felt about Jennifer, and how her presence on this earth changed your life. The reason we opted for our own website, and not something assembled by a funeral home, is because those sites always have solemn photos of flowers and old, boring black & white photos of the deceased. They tend to motivate family and friends to leave melancholy sentiments dripping in sadness. Perhaps people prefer this more conservative approach; I mean what kind of a nut would put a picture of his wife holding a venomous snake carcass on the website?
This photo illustrates what a bold, independent woman that Jennifer was. Those qualities were part of the reason I loved her so much. I was recently reminded of our discussion of last names before our wedding by NPR journalist Nina Totenberg’s recent book “Dinners with Ruth”. Jennifer, told me she did not plan to change her name because so many people knew her professionally as Jennifer Clair. As Nina did with her first husband, Jennifer asked me if I was planning on changing my last name instead. Well, that shut me up pretty quick, and made me understand her logic. After 32 years of marriage, I now understand her genius. We routinely used “the Clair party” in making reservations because most restaurant hosts pronounced Ludovice like “Llama-rice”. Additionally, I could always tell if a salesperson was calling the house when they asked for Mr. Clair.
She was brilliant too,
Peter Clair
I have been missing my aunt Jennifer for a while now, because of the disease that took her life.
But I still can hear her deep chuckle and giggle, that we often shared together at my mother or grandmother’s expense or for some other silly and often inappropriate reason.
She always made me feel like I was a champion and she was one of my biggest fans. She was never too busy to help me problem solve something on the phone or just because. I still have the last happy birthday voicemail she left me saved on my phone.
I have fond memories of her loving and admiring ways from when she took me to a Mother’s Day assembly event at school when my mom was unable to attend, to her coming with us on some great vacations, and bringing her whole family to celebrate my high school graduation, an exceptionally important time in my life where she recognized how much love I needed back then.
I fully believe that when we continue to experience these kinds of life events, that she is still going to show up, so look for the signs if you can, because you will find them if you’re open. I have experienced enough grief and loss to know this is true.
I will remember and honor her always, as my loving, sometimes sassy, fun, aunt Jennifer.
Much love to the Clairs! (Miranda, Dylan, Pete).
Pete & Family:
In summer 2000, I had the great fortune to move to Atlanta and join Georgia Tech. I joined a vibrant (albeit a bit wacky back then) faculty in chemical engineering, where I immediately connected with a strong cohort of young faculty. Pete, your quick mind and great sense of humor made coming to work both stimulating and fun, every-single-day. Upon meeting Jennifer, I quickly realized how you two formed a great team, each of you supporting the other, magnifying each other’s strengths and supporting each other’s weaknesses. I will remember Jennifer’s sense of humor, her intellect and her desire to live her life in a way that helped others, whenever possible. One specific memory is working with Cliff and Jennifer to plan your surprise 40th birthday party. When Cliff, Jay and I had you out all afternoon on the golf course during a driving rain storm, we suspected you’d figure out why. But when we arrived back at your house, Jennifer had the surprise party all ready to go, you were apparently surprised, and a great time was had by all. In closing, Pete, Miranda, Dylan – rest assured that Jennifer made a big impact on many people far beyond your immediate, nuclear family. Love and best wishes to you all!
Jennifer was my hero. She knew how to get things done the accurate and correct way.
Ok, I’m a stickler when it comes to doing things right, maybe not the first time but I’ll get it right eventually.
That’s why she’s a hero to me.
I remember at one of our family reunions, we’d all be in a room after one of our gang suppers and Jennifer would stand up to grab peoples attention. She would loudly proclaim ISSUES, ISSUES, and everyone would look up to hear Jennifer announce the latest reunion problem and how we’re all going to solve it. As much as we teased her about being an ISSUE MONSTER, We knew she was right.
Yes!!! She was my hero when it came to solving problem/issues.
I’m still trying but I’ll never be as good as she.
Jennifer I Love You
Pete, I read your commentz to Pat and we both tear’d up laugh’n , . . . ‘cuz they were so “Pete” . . . comical and tender. We alwayz enjoyed J com’n over to deliver your read magz of Bullitz ‘n Roszes, Artificial-Limb Mechanic, Southern Low-Income Hous’n, ‘n Better Homez ‘n Homeless . . . etc.
See ya on the 7th.
Charlie & Pat
Oh how I’ve missed Jennifer in recent years. Dementia is such a thief that seemingly stole the quickness and zeal that was the Jennifer we knew. I am so saddened by the loss of a lady that unexpectedly & quickly I considered in the best friend forever dept. Even as sad as I am however I’m glad she’s now running 🏃♀️ the streets of Gold back once again in her Mighty Mo strong 💪 mind & body.
I met Jennifer amazingly enough from her name posted on a sign at Harrison Tennis Center looking for a women’s🎾team. We not only gained an awesome teammate but more important a lifetime friend & confident. My Atlanta ride or die. Almost always shopping, theatre 🎭, tennis, running and wine & dine were involved. We helped each other thru; younger kids, teens, headed off to college😢, empty nest and everything in between.
The funny thing is for 2 that are pretty much polar opposites politically, spiritually, temperament etc.(She,-quiet. Me,-not so much🤣) we hit it off right away and have remained friends for decades. Even in death, this won’t change.
We never judged each other in our differences. Instead, we listened and sometimes even learned and appreciated the varying points of view of the other. Is why I’m so thankful for our laughs & conversations. Some of which give me solace of seeing my friend again for a hug around the neck and maybe even a friendly fire game of competitive tennis🤣
My point is you never know who you’ll meet that might just become your next bestie. It might be in a place or a person quite unexpected but don’t miss out. I am forever blessed and better for knowing and more importantly having Jen as a dear beloved friend. Forever loved & remembered🙏RIP – til we meet again. Kathy
Hi Clair/Ludovice family! I loved playing tennis with Jennifer, she was fun and motivated on the court. We won a match together and she was so psyched as I was an newbie to the team. I also loved hearing about her family and we bonded over our love of rescue dogs. My love and support to your family, I know that she is always in your hearts. I was hoping to make it to the North Forest get together but we have School Open House that evening.
Pete, I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. On behalf of me and the whole Texas Ludovice family, we are sorry for your deep loss, and please know that God comforts those who mourn.
All my love to you brother and your family.
Mr Pete.
Jennifer’s accent- Boston Wellesley- made me immediately feel good and comfortable with our family’s decision to cross the Mason Dixie Line to begin our wonderful life in the South.
The day she called me to be sure I understood that the siren I was hearing actually meant we should be in our basements.
She was the reason we learned the importance of adopting doggies who needed the opportunity to love and enjoy.
Jennifer was always there. A calm, steady friend who you knew had your back, cared about you and gave of herself to others.
I miss her. I know for sure she is in a really good place and doing for others there.
See you on the 7th!