Jennifer Parise worked at Multnomah County for 14 years in several departments, including the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Program, Youth and Family Services and Multnomah Animal Services. She was adored and respected by her colleagues, and was caring and compassionate to everyone she met. Jenn had just received a promotion to a position she was ecstatic about. She and her partner, Lauran just bought their first home in June of 2023. They, along with their son, Edwin seemed to be on top of the world.
On Sunday night, June 25th, while returning home from grocery shopping, Jenn and Lauran were about 15 blocks from their home, the unthinkable occurred. A stranger, involved in a high speed police chase, rear ended Jenn and Lauran’s car, killing Jenn and sending Lauran to the hospital. The tragedy is senseless, tremendous and overwhelming; and is currently the focus of an ongoing police investigation. If you’d like to assist the family with a donation to the GO FUND ME, it would be greatly appreciated. Please consider supporting Jenn’s family in this difficult time, and join us in celebrating Jenn’s beautiful life.
Jenn’s legacy will live on, because she lived in the hearts and souls of others. Jenn was compassionate, dedicated, thoughtful, great at making beautiful quilts, and a phenomenal mom who planned all the coolest things to do with Edwin. She was a wonderful baker, who made delectable treats and home delivered them(!!), was the best listener, a remarkable partner, ultra creative, and a first-class person to laugh with. She was a lover of science and animals. Jenn was an outstanding pet mama, a matchless gamer, and a queen at Karaoke. A fierce advocate for disability justice, and diversity and equity work, and a strong supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights. Jenn was big-hearted beyond belief, a Scout Leader, and an unequaled supporter of Edwin’s ballet and Aikido. Jenn loved Oingo Boingo, and was known for being spunky. She loved to share wonderful and safe hugs, and was supportive of those around her for being exactly who they are. She was kind and resilient, and a ray of positivity for all who met her. Jenn will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
