Jennifer Taft Warren

Jennifer Taft Warren (née Cook) of Vancouver, WA, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Jennifer was born in Santa Monica, CA on June 15, 1939, to Thomas Ira Cook and Anne Taft Peloubet. She also lived in Seattle, WA as a child, but most of her childhood and fondest memories were from Santa Monica and Harvard Street. Jennifer attended Santa Monica High School, '57 and received her bachelor's degree from California Western University, '61, where she could enjoy the stunning Pacific coastline she loved so much. Leaving the sun and sand behind, she pursued a graduate degree from Garrett Seminary/Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Here she furthered her interests as a social activist, seeking equality and justice for the underprivileged. While at Northwestern, she met and married Gary Bruce Putnam in 1963, followed by the birth of their daughters, Elizabeth, 1965, and Margaret, 1967. After some years in Ames, Iowa and the end of the marriage in 1976, Jennifer and the girls returned to La Crosse, WI. Jennifer's kindness and desire to help others led to work in the field of nursing homes and elderly care for decades. She met Jim Warren, fell in love during a trip to the Pacific Northwest, and they married in 1981. In La Crosse, she developed a loving lifelong group of friends. With a shared a passion for nature and hiking, Jim and Jennifer eventually relocated to Vancouver, WA in 1983, where they appreciated the Columbia River and the Mt. Hood views and happily remained until their passing. Jennifer was full of life and eager to explore. With Jim at her side, they found countless beaches, rivers or waterfalls to enjoy - with Jennifer always bringing back a pinecone, rock or piece of driftwood. They traveled extensively around the world and she frequently came to Europe to visit family. After retiring, Jennifer developed a keen interest in genealogy and spent many years researching and tirelessly documenting the family's history as well as volunteering at the Genealogical Society. As an avid reader, she was constantly working on a book and continued to learn new things like painting and calligraphy. Her welcoming homes invariably had a cat wandering through or a bird at the feeder in the well cared for backyard. Many hours were spent picking berries until fingers were stained and bowls full - but the goodness was in the conversation and time together. Friends and family will have enduring memories of her willingness to help and support others, her beautiful smile, a caring hug, and good talks. She is survived by daughters, Elizabeth Bicknell (Ted) and Margaret Munk Hansen (Jes); stepson Michael Warren (Donna), stepdaughter Karen Holt (Joe) and she leaves behind 12 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Willis Warren in 2019, and her sister, Penelope Anne Cook Van Vucht. Cremation arrangements made at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.

Jennifer Taft Warren

June 15, 1939 - June 15, 2022