Obituary of Jennifer Yanok

The angels in Heaven must have needed a fun-filled soul to brighten their days, because Jennifer Yanok (McConnell), 38, a talented wife, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law and friend is about as fun as they get. She has joined her fellow angels as of July 6, 2008, following an intense battle with the horrible beastie, cancer. It was a rare occurrence to see Jennifer without her beautiful smile, or signature laugh. Even in these days of sadness, remembering Jennifer cracking those gorgeous choppers or machine-gun laugh will put a smile on your face, and one on your heart. Jennifer was born on April 12, 1970 to her loving parents, Bill and Brigette McConnell. Bill's brother, Tom McConnell, talented musician and beloved uncle has a witty sense of humor and has been loved very much by Jennifer throughout the years. Her extended family also includes her Aunt Mary and many loving cousins. She was an only child, but best friend and next door neighbor, Meg Barnett filled the sisterly role splendidly. Their favorite childhood activities included playing "Little House on the Prarie", playing with a humongous doll house, and charging neighborhood children a quarter to enter the "Haunted Forest" that consisted of stumbling around the backyard in the dark, while haunted house sound effects records played in the background. Jennifer's love of drawing started at an early age when she loved to draw various breeds of dogs, monsters and fairies. Her love of drawing continued throughout her mallrat years at Tallmadge High School (1988) and her talent brought her to the Columbus College of Art and Design, where she had received her BFA in 1993. After graduation, Jennifer's artistic skills led her to work for great companies including American Greetings and Pearlessence, Ltd., where she had worked as an Art Director.. (Not at the same time, of course!) Jennifer made many, many friends at these companies and,developed several close, personal friends whom she loved so very much. She also had a very successful freelance career, with her designs appearing on many retail products from scrapbooking products to fabrics and even Target gift cards! Sadly, Jennifer lost her father, Bill shortly after her college graduation, but what Jennifer didn't realize was that soon her family was about to expand; And I'm not talking pregnancy. In 1995, Jennifer gained a stepfather, Lou Daugherty, a kind-hearted, lovable guy; two stepsisters, Robin Suttell and Jennifer Hendrick -- and two nephews, Evan Suttell and Jake Bosko and step-grandmother, Dorothy Daugherty. The "step" in front of stepfather and stepsisters should be removed from this family dynamic because Jennifer loved them beyond belief, and saw it as gaining a father, a grandmother and two wonderful sisters -- not to mention two nephews to spoil rotten. Jennifer met her soulmate, Johnny Yanok in the fall of 2002 while working at American Greetings. It wasn't too long before the couple was inseparable. During their courtship, they discovered that it really is a small world after all: They got to talking about their childhoods and quickly realized that Jennifer's mother, Brigette was Johnny's kindergarten teacher! The couple wed at Walt Disney World in Florida on September 3, 2004 when Hurricane Frances had struck central Florida. Confined to their hotel room, they dined on Cheese Whiz on crackers and watched countless Lifetime movies. When Jennifer got hitched to Johnny, her family grew yet again with the addition of Johnny's loveable parents John and Kathy Yanok, and brother, Andrew Yanok, who Jennifer referred to as "Goop," and Johnny's large, close family of 24 aunts, uncles and cousins.. The couple shared a love of animals. Their menagerie consists of Ikea, a sweet pug dog; four kitties, Jake, Pete, Hannah and Spooky; and a large fish tank full of colorful, saltwater fish. The couple's other huge love was all things Halloween. Their closets were crammed floor to ceiling filled with every conceivable Halloween decoration and party supply for their famous Halloween parties, where "Vampire Bites" were the drink of choice. Jennifer loved horror movies, and loathed romantic comedies. A famous quote of hers regarding movies was " No monsters, no deal." Jennifer looked up to her mother, Brigette McConnell, very much. You can see where Jennifer's sweetness and outlook on life came from. Jennifer thought of her more than a mother; she also thought of her as her best friend. Jennifer had the biggest heart you have ever seen, along with an undying love for her family and friends. We have never met anyone so kind and caring as Jennifer . She will be missed tremendously here on earth and in our hearts. The family will greet visitors this Thursday, July 10 for calling hours between 6-8p.m.,with a Buddhist memorial service following starting at 8p.m. at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301.