Jessica Lynn Berens, age 39, of Wayland, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, after a long battle with cancer.
From a young age, Jessica had a tenacity for life and a love of nature. Growing up she used her vivid imagination in arts and crafts projects, catching the perfect butterfly, or the fattest nightcrawler for her next fishing trip. She loved to spend her summers with Pete and Carol and her honorary sister, Angela, at their lake house constantly exploring nature or near water.
As the years went along Jessica spent her time working hard in the classroom and volunteering at several non-profit organizations. Jessica’s accomplishments piled up as her strong work ethic resulted in academic success graduating with honors from Grand Rapids Creston High School, earning an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College, bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University.
Jessica worked for more than 20 years at Grand Rapids Community College, most notably serving as the associate director of Human Resources, until recently leaving due to her battle with cancer. She formed many relationships there and considered her coworkers as close as family.
Jessica’s faith defined her; “Faith Over Fear” was the motto that kept her strong over the last couple of years. She was an amazing wife, and cherished the friendship she had with her husband, Nate, and enjoyed making life their own over the last 15 years.
She was heavily involved in serving through Corinth Reformed Church, donating to cancer research, helping children with the Kids Food Basket.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Nate Berens; children, Max and Mia Berens; mother, Lisa Remley; father, David and Carmen Harrington; parents-in-law, Robert and Pamela Berens; brother-in-law, Jeremy and Janna Berens; sister-in-law, Shannon Rast; step-sister, Jessica; half-sister, Brittany; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandpa, Joe Randazzo, grandma “grams” Theresa Randazzo and aunt, Cynthia Coe-Miskura.
A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Corinth Reformed Church, 129 100th St. SE, Byron Center, with Pastor Jason Nagel officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to the Kids Food Basket, https://kidsfoodbasket.org/
