Jennifer Caroline Wittberger
(1973 - 1994)

Jennifer Caroline was welcomed into our family and this world on July 19th, 1973. The youngest of six children, with four older brothers and a sister who doted on her.

Jennifer was an extremely intelligent child who communicated easily with everyone from children to adults. By age three she was already showing interest in Ancient Egypt, which later developed into a love of history, anthropology, and archeology. Equally loved was swimming and horse-back riding, although she was adamant about not competing.

An avid reader, Jennifer began writing and illustrating her own stories from age eight, which later developed into poetry, also. From ten onwards, she kept an almost daily jounal that, in teen years, would be dedicated to "Norma Jean"... her idol, Marilyn Monroe.

Because of her dramatic personality, it was no surprise that she wanted to pursue an acting career as I, her mother, had been a professional actress. By this time, in 6th grade, Jennifer was known to family and friends as simply JC. JC was definitely talented, winning an award for her portrayal of Ariel and was an oustanding Kate in 'The Taming of the Shrew.'

A headstrong, intellectually mature teen at 15 years, it was puzzling and surprising to learn that she had tried marajuana at a party (Let no one say that this drug does NOT lead to breaking down barriers to be an entry drug to more powerful substances). It was easy for JC to be persuaded to try LSD next and when she 'fell' madly in love at 16 1/2 years -the pressure to experiment further eventually led to heroin.

Our home had become a battleground as we fought for our daughter and tried to help her quit all drugs. JC hated being a junkie by age 17 years. She tried many times to free herself from addiction while living at home with the family or away. Every day was a struggle.

Finally, JC began a relationship with a wonderful, (drug-free) young man whom she'd met in college two years previously. They planned a future together and she was determined to quit drugs. She would go to live with a brother and his wife and enter a rehab.

When Scott arrived at JC's apartment, it was to be met by paramedics rushing her to the hospital. Jennifer Caroline had taken one last heroin trip. She was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility on May 18, 1994. She would have been 21 in two month's time. The young man?... he took his own life almost two years to the day of the later.

We share our daughter's story to hopefully deter other young people from experimenting with any substance. They MAY be lucky and unscathed..but...on the other hand..?

Here was someone who had so many talents, was a vibrant, lovely young woman of promise with a terrific zany sense of humor. Someone who always cared for others and even had 6 cats at one time.
Loved Life.....until...?

A delight to know when not under the influence of drugs.

We welcomed her, loved her and in spite of the 'torture years' from 15-18 (at 19-20 we thought we were winning!)-we, her daddy and I, brothers and sister, would do anything to have her back with us again. But...you know...you can't bargain with Death.

JC....thank you for being a part of our lives....as you well know, we love you forever.
Your mummy and daddy.

We feel that our daughter is very much continuing and influencing part of our lives in many ways. For the past three years, we have been telling her story in schools and other facilities to steer young people away from her path. Our loved ones continue to be with us in many guises. God Bless you all for continuing to love and keep them close. Warm embraces to you all.

Pat and Russ, Jenny's parents.
You may visit her memorial website at: : jennysjourney.org