By Mary Jo Leininger
“We are Thankful.”
Three months after Jenny White was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, she sent Thanksgiving cards to family and friends with a family photo and this message, “We are Thankful” and the bible verse, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.” This message exemplified the way Jenny always led her life, which was all the more evident over the next seven years prior to her death Jan. 20, 2024, at the age of 49. 
Jenny was most thankful for her family, her husband Mike and her three children, Becky, Mitch and Garrett. Throughout her cancer journey, she revealed herself as a woman filled with faith, joy, and laughter. She cherished every day and embraced all opportunities to have fun and live life to the fullest. Often I found her exuberance difficult to understand, in particular since I was present with her and Mike when she first met with her oncologist at the Med Center. During this visit, she exhibited great strength, having more concern for Mike than for herself.
This selflessness proved to be evident throughout her everyday life. Once I asked Jenny, “How can you be so positive and happy, knowing how ill you are, and experiencing so many setbacks?” Her response was very matter of fact and concise: “I don’t want my children and grandchildren to remember me as a grouchy, bitter woman.” Jenny’s response was evident of her deep devotion and love for her family and her faith and trust in God.
Jenny was an inspiration to many. To her children she was strong and loving, teaching them to love others and smile throughout the worst of times, often telling them, ‘chin up’ when learning of another setback to her health. To her grandchildren she was ‘Mimi.’ Six months after Jenny’s death, her 3-year-old granddaughter Jovi said, “Mimi is with God and in my heart, but I want her out of my heart and want her here.” Jovi’s sentiment is what we all want but we know that Jenny’s suffering was long and she was ready to surrender herself and fall into the arms of her Savior.
Jenny was my little sister, the seventh of eight children born to Darrell and Rita Shipley. Even though she was the baby sister, she showed us all how to live life to the fullest and accept all that it brings. I can’t help but believe that her spiritual strength was a result of the faith demonstrated by our parents, our Catholic community, and our religious education. She was a graduate of Aquinas High School in David City and the head cook during five of the seven years she was going through cancer treatments. Jenny would often go into work early to prepare her kitchen for her staff, run to Omaha for treatment, and then be back in time to serve lunch. She worked tirelessly to make sure the students and staff were well-fed. She took great pride in making the meals appealing and enjoyed bantering with the students.
Jenny posted “Quotes of the Day,” inspirational messages that she shared with the students that reflected her perseverance and faith. With each day, regardless of how she was feeling, she put the needs of others before her own.
Throughout Jenny’s illness, I prayed for a miracle. I now realize that Jenny was the miracle; she was God’s gift to many, teaching us about faith, love, and perseverance. I will be forever thankful to God for my little sister for teaching me that when there are crosses to bear, no matter how heavy, it is faith and love for others that enables one to persevere. Jenny never grew bitter throughout her illness. She died a peaceful death, giving thanks to God for her beautiful life and His enduring love.
