Jennifer Marie Herchen
Jennifer Marie Herchen (née Jelinski), 72, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of January 2 at her home. She was born on November 26, 1953 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Jenn was a vibrant soul. She championed her loved ones with warmth, encouragement, and an open heart. Her smile lit up every room she entered, and her hugs were legendary. We remember her as caring, intelligent, passionate, and kind, someone whose presence alone made gatherings brighter and more complete.
Jenn grew up in Fond du Lac, the youngest of four siblings. She earned her bachelor's degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and later moved to Massachusetts for graduate school. It was there that she met Stephen, who would become the love and light of her life. They were married in November 1978 on a clear, cold day in Wisconsin, beginning a partnership defined by devotion, equality, laughter, tenderness, and joy. They left notes for one another, walked miles of beaches hand in hand, attended countless live concerts, and took precious care of each other through every season of life. Jenn and Steve celebrated their 47th anniversary this past November.
Jenn and Steve lived in Duxbury, MA for three decades, where they raised their family, before moving to Plymouth, MA to a home perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Having grown up on a lake, water was central to Jenn's sense of peace and belonging. She loved watching the ocean change each day, finding both comfort and wonder in its moods, light, and rhythms.
Jenn shared her love of music generously, teaching piano and flute to hundreds of students and inspiring in them not only technical skill but creativity, artistic expression, and passion in music. She was also a natural connector who cared deeply about helping others, supporting charitable causes close to her heart and offering her time, presence, and care freely. She was always ready to listen, to hop on a plane to help someone in need, or to send a thoughtful message that brightened a day and reminded others they were loved. With a knack for finding the positive in every situation, she was able to laugh and grow through it all.
Jenn found deep peace in nature, and her gardens reflect her spirit: thoughtfully tended, quietly generous, and full of life. She could often be found outdoors and delighted in nurturing her gardens, where she could watch birds and butterflies return again and again to the space she had so lovingly created with patience and care.
After retiring, Jenn and Steve traveled the world and delighted in spending time with their children and grandchildren. She was deeply committed to family heritage and genealogical research, carefully preserving stories and connections so future generations would know where they came from.
Jennifer is survived by her beloved husband, Stephen; her cherished children, their spouses, and grandchildren- Emily (Dwight; Riley and Jasper), Zachary (Yuliana; Julian), and Annelise (Drew; Audrey and Estelle); and her siblings, David and Sue. Her legacy of love lives on in each of them through their closeness, their curiosity, and their care for one another.
Jenn was beautiful both inside and out. She will be remembered for her boundless warmth, her generosity of spirit, and the quiet, steady way she made people feel seen, supported, and deeply loved.
Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Jenn's life at a visitation on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home (619 State Road, Manomet, MA 02360). A funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (803 State Road, Manomet, MA 02360).