Jennifer Fielding

In Memory Of

Jennifer Helen Fielding (1944-2021)

Jennifer “Jenny” Helen Fielding died September 15, 2021 at University of Maryland Medical Center in Bowie, Maryland with husband of 54 years, Peter and children, Steven, Natasha and Marie-Louise at her side.

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies on June 23, 1944 to Harold and Ida Kidney, Jenny was the second of seven daughters. She grew up on the island of Barbados before immigrating to London, England at the age of 18 where she attended Nursing School at the Middlesex Hospital.

Soon after graduating, Jenny and Peter were married in 1967; a devoted and deep love which spanned over five decades. Jenny was an intuitive care giver and dedicated Mother raising three children who were involved with a wide range of interests including: ballet; equestrian sports; and scuba diving. Somehow, she managed to juggle the hours in the day and achieved balance, in deeply meaningful ways to all. As part of that balance Jenny created a warm, welcoming home full of love, beauty and trust. However, there were clear boundaries which helped create a sense of safety and confidence.

The wider family attachments were deeply engrained for Jenny. A quality first developed as one of seven daughters (Wendy, Elizabeth, Jacqui, Rosemarie, Diana and Catherine) whose ages cover nearly two decades. Being a sister among the “Seven Kidney Girls” (as they were affectionately referred to!), was a huge part of Jenny’s identity. She loved each one uniquely and had deep bonds through the experience of sisterhood. This carried over into her daily life where she had so many widely spread relationships with women from Barbados to the UK, Canada and eventually in the USA.

Jenny (aka “Gaga”) will be sorely missed by her six grandchildren (Sophia, Olivia, Ian, Lilianna, Nicholas and Maxston), who she adored. Each grandchild experienced her nurturing “magick” as infants and the times which followed. We are so thankful for her presence in the formative years of our children’s lives recognizing that it is now our turn to continue her legacy.

While Jenny had a deep affinity for infants, she also drew to her a number of young people whose lives she benefited in substantial ways. These “surrogate children” seemed to join our family on a regular basis and all of whom remain close to us as “brothers and sisters”.

From one of these surrogates, George Jones:

It was that look.

In truth, there were lots of looks, but they all started with the same one. Everyone knows which one. You would have just said something – hopefully insightful and memorable - and Jen would look up, look at you and raise that one eye, and you suddenly question whether it was either. You now knew you had her attention and whatever you said next had better be good. If it wasn’t Jen would become serious, her eyes would open wide and then half close, challenging you, giving you an opportunity to change your mind, your mood, your plans. It would be followed by the upwards nod; how many nods would depend on how wrong you were. Try again.

The facial dance would repeat until Jen would briefly scowl, with a mischievous smile starting at the corners of her mouth before she rewarded you with that wonderful laugh of hers. You had won.

Except Jen had actually won. You realize that your entire mind, mood or plan had changed – ultimately for the better – and that Jen had not said a word.  She had not challenged nor chastised nor cajoled nor criticized you, but nevertheless she had understood you, helped you, guided you. That was Jen. She understood you, knew who you were, and in her own way, made sure you realized what was best for you. Made you a better you. And all the time you thought it was you.

But it always started with that look.

I cannot begin to speak on behalf of all Jen’s ‘surrogate’ children; I struggle enough to share my own emotions at this time. I was more than just fortunate, I was blessed to have had experienced her wisdom, her guidance – her look – during my teenage and University years, when geography made it easy for me to think I was grown up and that I did not need to be ‘mothered’. But I clearly did, more than I realized, and I am forever grateful to have been able to call her ‘Mum’.                ~ Forever George

As we reflect on Jenny’s legacy, we see the loving contributions to young people at pivotal times in their lives. She understood their language which she used to reach her particular and unique bond of trust. Quite remarkable!

With all this in mind we will establish a not-for-profit Foundation (the name TBD) to provide mini-grants for young people (12-18 years old) so that they can have access/support to life experiences to expand their horizons and make a notable difference along their life path.

So, we request that you do not send flowers or material items. We believe that Jenny would prefer contributions to broaden the base for those in their teenage years. The plans are being formulated now and if you are interested to learn more, please be in touch with one of us.

Love and good wishes, Jennifer’s kids,

Steven, Natasha & Marie-Louise

[email protected]       425.205.0392

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