Jennifer Marie (Welsh) O'Loughlin

Jennifer Marie Welsh O’Loughlin, wife of Tom O’Loughlin and daughter of John (d.) and Janet Welsh (d.) passed away on July 24, 2020, after a courageous fight with metastatic breast cancer. Jennifer was a life-long Tacoma resident. Jennifer leaves her husband Tom, daughter Erin Butler (Jeremy), sons Brien (Nicole) and Colin, brother John (Kelly), sisters Jerilynn Mohrbacher (Dan) and Jody DeGroot (Dave), nieces: Kelli, Alison, Sara, Katy, and nephew: Ryan. Jennifer grew up with loving family and friends, who were very important to her. Jennifer graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1980 and from Gonzaga University in 1984 with a degree in Special Education. Jennifer taught and supported students’ individual needs for 14 years in public school districts including Bremerton, Highline, and South Kitsap. Most of her teaching career was creating a learning resource center with Bellarmine Preparatory School and teaching teachers how to accommodate students' individual needs for 22 years. Jennifer spent her time at Bellarmine leading and molding the faith of junior and senior girls on the Encounter retreats, and she spent many endless nights working on the school’s yearbook publication. She was a role model for other teachers, especially to become Ignatian women who serve others. Jennifer and Tom met at Camp Gallagher and were married for 32 years: they shared in joy and laughter. As Jennifer’s children were growing up, she spent many summers at CYO summer camps, including creating a culinary program at Camp Don Bosco. She spent many summers as the head cook at Camp Gallagher. She also helped raise money for Camp Gallagher to benefit many campers’ experiences there. Jennifer thought Camp Gallagher’s love and acceptance was a little slice of Heaven in South Puget Sound. Jennifer loved to bake; she spent many hours in the kitchen baking her famous chocolate chip cookies for others in their times of need. Jennifer was an avid Mariners fan and loved rooting for them with her family. One of Jennifer’s favorite hobbies was early morning water aerobics with a close group of friends at the YMCA. As an active member of St. Leo Parish, Jennifer’s faith came alive through her passion for social justice activism with women’s marches and other important causes. Jennifer’s faith carried her through a ten-year battle with cancer. She handled her battle with grace and hope, which was a role model to her husband, children, family, and friends. Jennifer was a loving wife, mother, and a good friend to many. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Camp Gallagher https://www.campgallagher.org/jennifer Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home.

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