Dear Emar, Alex, Kiki,

We are very sad to hear about Jennifer's passing. First we knew Jennifer only through our paths crossing at the university, then also paths crossing due to our kids' beautiful friendship and the band activities. Jennifer had so much energy, with a bright smile always, creative ideas, both at and outside of work. She will be missed. We are thinking of you.

Deniz, Etienne, Hannah, Nathan, Sophia

~ Deniz and Etienne Baskent - November 26, 2023

Jennifer was a magnificent human spirit. And her whole family reflected her manifold enthusiams--evident in their time in Amherst--- from music to sports and bicycles.. She eagerly got her children ukele lessons in Amherst---something we never did
We really enjoyed having them all as visitors to departmental life in linguistics. Kiki and Kayley and Emar were all great fun and we were delighted to have them as visitors in our home---and looked forward to their promised return in summer. We will miss her very much.
Academically she was a wonderful link between acquisition and her many other interests in computer science. And she, more than anyone, with her interests in ellipsis, distributivity, reciprocality, conservativity could see how serious consideration of their theoretical representation both in linguistics and computer science leads naturally into doing experiments without hesitation, despite the fact that so many people seek to divide these fields. We all benefit significantly from this example.

~ TOM AND LAURA ROEPER AND HOILLAND - November 26, 2023

I am so saddened to hear of Jennifer’s passing. She brought so much harmony and joy to those dinner parties with Emar and the girls. I will always remember her generosity, her strength and optimism, but most of all, her love for the people closest to her heart.

My sincere sympathy to Emar, Kiki, Lee and Jennifer’s family.

~ Cesar Reigosa Soler - November 25, 2023

I remember Jennifer from the family's visit to UMass, from her presence, the images and the conversations, from a wintery dinner party at her home in Amherst, from the picture on a Christmas postcard pinned to a department wall. I took for granted the possibility that all of this would happen again some time, somewhere else. I wish that there could have been more times like that, and that they would have been ones of peace.

~ Deniz Özyildiz - November 23, 2023

Jacquie, I am saddened to learn of the passing of your daughter, Jennifer. Please accept my deep sympathy.

Ron

~ Ron Hem - November 22, 2023

I am deeply saddened to hear about Jennifer's passing. During my time studying in Groningen I had the pleasure to follow several courses by Jennifer and later even to work together on some projects. Her lectures were always fun and infectious and showed her deep interest in the subjects she was teaching. She was very generous in sharing anecdotes and examples from her wide travels, extensive knowledge of languages and her experience raising bilingual kids. In smaller seminars we did not only talk about the subject matter of the lecture but also often about things like the latest Game of Thrones episode (if that came out the day before the seminar) or life in Groningen. This made the lectures more personal and I believe it helped them to stick. I certainly remember them much better than some of the other lectures from that time!

We also shared a love for the city of Vienna and often talked about it. We lost touch after I moved away from Groningen but I'm writing from there now and I will make sure me and the city will remember her. My condolences to all of Jennifer's family and friends

~ Henk Borghols - November 22, 2023

I met Jennifer during my mindfulness training in March this year. While there were sometimes sessions with struggle, impatience and rebelliousness, I saw a very open person full of humor and I really appreciated her. She touched me, I learned from her and I mentally convey my wishes and gratitude to her. I wish family and friends all the best. Philip Kocken, Roden, The Netherlands

~ Philip Kocken - November 22, 2023

Lieve Jennifer,

Wat was het altijd een zoete inval bij jullie thuis. Alle kinderen uit de straat waren meer dan welkom. Toneelstukken opvoeren, pinatas maken, spelletjes doen, taarten bakken. Niks was te gek. Iedereen genoot. Tijdens en na de corona hebben we elkaar helaas veel minder gezien. De mooie herinneringen blijven??.

Liefs Jaap en Nienke

~ Jaap en Nienke Sterenborg - November 22, 2023

Lieve Jennifer,

Wat was het altijd een zoete inval bij jullie thuis. Alle kinderen uit de straat waren meer dan welkom. Toneelstukken opvoeren, pinatas maken, spelletjes doen, taarten bakken. Niks was te gek. Iedereen genoot. Tijdens en na de corona hebben we elkaar helaas veel minder gezien. De mooie herinneringen blijven??.

Liefs Jaap en Nienke

~ Jaap en Nienke Sterenborg - November 21, 2023

Lieve Jennifer,

Wat was het altijd een zoete inval bij jullie thuis. Alle kinderen uit de straat waren meer dan welkom. Toneelstukken opvoeren, pinatas maken, spelletjes doen, taarten bakken. Niks was te gek. Iedereen genoot. Tijdens en na de corona hebben we elkaar helaas veel minder gezien. De mooie herinneringen blijven??.

Liefs Jaap en Nienke

~ Jaap en Nienke Sterenborg - November 21, 2023

Dear Jennifer's family and especially Allison, I am so sorry for your loss. Jennifer sounds like an absolutely incredible and wonderful person. May her memory always be a blessing to you. My deepest sympathy,

~ Laura Mogelson - November 20, 2023

Beste Kiki, heel veel sterkte gewenst voor jou en jouw familie.
Wat een bijzondere moeder is jullie ontvallen, terwijl ik lees vorm ik mij een indruk van een prachtig persoon.
We hebben zin om jou weer te zien Kiki. Jouw verdriet mag er zijn en wij gaan weer lekker samen dansen.
Sterkte eerst met de zaken daar en straks in Groningen.
Vriendelijke groet, Inge, docent van Kiki.

~ Inge de Bruine - November 20, 2023

Jennifer was such a bright spot in our department. You could hear her laughter from across the hallways, and her enthusiasm was infectious. The most important thing was that she just cared. She cared so much that she often sacrificed her own health and well-being to help her students and colleagues. I remember one day her crying in my office because she was trying so hard and still felt she wasn't doing enough. Jennifer's presence will be sorely missed in our department, but never forgotten. I also want to send my condolences to the whole family...

~ Marieke van Vugt - November 20, 2023

I've shared only a few meetings with Jennifer as part of our work at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, but she made a profound impression nevertheless because of the radiant energy and great enthusiasm she brought into the room and to the conversation. Her passing is a profound loss to our academic community. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. I am so sorry you have to go through this. - Love, Liza Ten Velde

~ Liza Ten Velde - November 20, 2023

Dear family,
My sincere condoleances for the loss of Jennifer... I will remember her as a cheerfull, enthousiastic and talented student in my watercolor classes in Groningen, the Netherlands. Despite her suffering from cancer she always found solutions to go on painting and I tried to help her as much as I could. It was very impressive how she taught herself to paint with her left hand and she did it so well.
I wish you all the best.
Kind regards,
Grietje Willemsma

~ Grietje Willemsma - November 18, 2023

Dear Jennifer,
We will miss you so much with your enthusiasm and energy and your attention to us as neighbors. Unfortunately, we will never be able to enjoy your zest for life again.
As a neighbor across the street, you regularly knocked on the door. Sometimes for a nice chat and other times you surprised us with homemade cookies.
When you went on holiday with your family, we regularly took care of Pippi and Tetsuo, your cats. You were also very fond of them.
We were introduced to Halloween by you because you celebrated this tradition with your daughters in our street.
We laughed so much about the witches' race on broomsticks.
After you were diagnosed, our contact became more frequent and intensive. Aaldrik has always greatly appreciated the fun, spontaneous conversations in the car on the way to the hospital, despite your illness. It was also nice that we were able to reflect on your illness together in our last conversations.

Dear beautiful neighbor, you will always be in our thoughts.
Caroline and Aaldrik

~ Caroline and Aaldrik Wingelaar / Top - November 18, 2023

~ Liz Agostini

I was a linguistics colleague of Jennifer's, not in the Nederlands but part of the broader community of scholars who shared an interest in semantics. I remember her quite vividly as an extremely bright, energetic, creative figure whose fine work inspired significant dialogue in the field. I am shocked to learn that we've lost her, oh so young! My condolences to Emar and her children on the loss of this lovely woman.

~ Craige Roberts - November 17, 2023

Dear Jennifer,

Many times between 2013 and 2021 our paths crossed, and with each crossing, I have a vivid memory. My first memory of you was one of my first lectures. You began your lectures with a positive, disarming energy that immediately impressed me. The second intersection was working together with you on my bachelor's research, where your energy and expertise continually inspired me. During my master's program, I assisted you in courses, and eventually, we collaborated on my thesis project.

You have been the most influential person for the successes in my academic journey. Not only that, working with you has contributed to my personal development. I am grateful to have experienced your enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion, and I will be forever thankful for the lessons you've given me.

Goodbye, Jennifer

~ Joost Warmerdam - November 17, 2023

Jennifer was my all-time favorite professor during my AI studies at the University of Groningen. Her enthusiasm was incredible, and she was able to energize the whole classroom. My deepest sympathies for this profound loss for you, her family and friends, and everyone who came in contact with Jennifer.

~ Daniel Haitink - November 17, 2023

When I started working at the AI department three years back, I was very happy to learn that she was still part of the department, as I had always liked her very much from when I was a student myself. Whenever Jennifer was around, the whole room buzzed with her positive vibe. She always talked so enthusiastically about everything and was so supportive to everyone around her. We shared a passion for knitting and I am sorry we will never get around to sit and knit together. We also shared stories about our kids (we both have two daughters) and she would tell me her experiences in what to expect as her daughters are a couple of years older. She was always full of love of them when she shared these stories. My deepest sympathy for them and all who will have to live without Jennifer.

~ Marleen Schippers - November 17, 2023

Many people at the RUG thought her classes had a not only informative, but also uplifting effect to everyone in attendance. Her presence made people feel better and want to do better. One of my top memories from my time as a student.

~ A Dutch Student - November 17, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the news of Jennifer’s passing. She was fun, energetic, warm and caring. My thoughts are with Emar, Lee, Kiki and the rest of Jennifer’s family.

~ Merel Semeijn - November 17, 2023

I really looked up to Jennifer. She was so enthousiastic, that she really knew anything about the subject and could also answer the crazy questions that were only loosely related. Also she was one of the STEM heroes that gave me the confidence that I could achieve anything in tech. I wish you, the family, strength in the days / weeks / years to come.

~ Eva van Viegen - November 17, 2023

What a wonderful, positive woman, full of sunshine and optimism.
I couldn't have asked for a better supervisor and support during my PhD journey. The world lost a warrior...
Love,
Ana

~ Ana Bosnic - November 17, 2023

I am shocked to hear about Jennifer's passing and I am deeply sad. I met Jennifer during my early academic days in Groningen as a PhD student, where she came to join lunches or meetings with the Computational Linguistics group in Harmoniegebouw. I admired her energy, her scientific curiosity, creativity and her friendliness. I also remember her vividly sharing anecdotes on experiments with crowdsourcing. Thanks for these moments.

My condolences to the family on the tragic loss.

Barbara Plank

Munich, November 16, 2023

~ Barbara Plank - November 16, 2023

Jennifer taught me language and speech technology at the university of Groningen in the Netherlands. I remember her as a very vibrant personality, always cheerful and enthousiastic. She had deep knowledge of linguistics and was always eager to teach everyone about that. My condoleances to her family and friends

~ Annelies Brands - November 16, 2023

Jennifer was always such a bright, kind and energetic presence. As a PhD student in Groningen in the early 2010s, our paths often crossed -- my luck! I always left our conversations energized and excited. Her knowledge of psycholinguistics was deep, and my research benefitted from her insights.

I will miss Jennifer, but her contribution as an academic and an excellent human being persist. Peace and condolences to her friends and family,

Ryan Taylor,

Vancouver, BC

~ Ryan Taylor - November 16, 2023

Dear family,
We have known Jennifer as a funny, vibrant and big-hearted person. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow. We hold you close in our thoughts at this sad time.
Lots of love,
Patty, Roel, Kyra, Wim and Silvia Dute

~ Silvia Dute - November 16, 2023

To: Allison Spenader's Family

We send our sincerest sympathy and loving thoughts to you and your family. In honor of Jennifer Kay, contributions from our department have been collected and will be donated towards the Connie's Cards Program here at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University. This program is used to directly help education students in times of need or difficulty.
We hold your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Your friends in the Education Department
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

~ Leah VanOverbeke - November 16, 2023

Remembering coffee breaks at the 16th floor of the Erasmus building in Nijmegen, and departement colloquia at Rob’s in 2001. Good times and talks with Jennifer and Emar. Such a huge loss. Hope you found peace.

My thoughts are with Emar and family.

~ Frank Verdonk - November 16, 2023

Like everyone else in Jennifer's Dutch side of the family I am deeply saddened by her passing away. She was such a lively, warm and enthousiastic presence in our large family gatherings. We will miss her more than can be put into words.
I personally have particularly fond memories of spending time with Jennifer (and Emar, Kaylee and Kiki) when William and Takeshi (my grandson) were visiting from Japan. She immediately made everyone feel so very welcome! And Jennifer being the only one in our family who spoke Japanese (and loved Japan so much) created a very special bond.

My heartfelt condolences to Emar, Kaylee and Kiki and all her loved ones around the world.

~ Simone van der Zande - November 16, 2023

I met Jennifer first in Utrecht, 1998, when we attended the ESSLLI, a summer school on language, logic and information. As a local, I played taxi driver between Utrecht and Amsterdam where we stayed. She lit up the car on the rides to and from the conference venue, whether it was late in the afternoon after long sessions, or early morning when everybody was still grumpy before coffee - except Jennifer.

This guest book will surely fill up with memories of her as an adult. But to her children and her partner: she was exceptional in her younger years as well. A summer school always attracts ambitious students but even in that crowd, she stood out with her enthusiasm and fire. As a student, she was very quick in expressing what she thought and how she felt. And she was also very driven to accomplish things, which shows in the elaborate list of research positions in a highly competitive field. It made her attractive and fun to be with.

Given how much energy she always brought to the lives of others, the silence that she leaves must be huge. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Roelant.

~ Roelant Ossewaarde - November 16, 2023

I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Jennifer's passing. She was one of the most talented and energetic colleagues I have had the pleasure of working with in the past nearly two decades. I wish her family all the strength they need during this difficult time.

~ Wander Lowie - November 16, 2023

I am so sorry to hear that Jennifer passed away. It was a long time ago we last met, in your house in Groningen. Your boundless energy and joy of life and work were epic. Loved talking to you about Sweden and Japan.

Emar, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you my love.

Maïté

~ Maite Tjon A Hie - November 15, 2023

Meeting Jennifer has always been an amazing experience. Full of excitement and energy she could light up even the darkest Nordic winter day. We both graduated with our PhDs in language technology in Sweden not far from each other in time and location. And, for some strange reason, we also ended up in the same place in the Netherlands, in Groningen later on.

I still remember the day of my interview for the new position there, seeing to my surprise a familiar face in the audience. I didn’t know about her move to the Netherlands and didn’t expect any old friends on that day. Smiling and nodding, Jennifer helped me through my nervous presentation and that was the beginning of a new chapter also in my life.

Already on that day, I got introduced to many new people, learned all details about the university, the country and how to move on thanks to Jennifer's enthusiastic engagement in our dinner conversation. She was always full of support and help with an incredible ability to connect and integrate people. It is so sad to hear that she passed away and we will keep all the good memories also in connection with our small families that started to grow at the same time in the north of the Netherlands. Me and Therese will always remember you from those good times and your help to feel immediately welcome in a new place.

Jörg, Therese, Tove, Kajsa and Vilma

~ Jörg Tiedemann - November 15, 2023

I am so sorry for the loss of Jennifer. We worked together at Telia in Stockholm, Sweden, and I fondly remember the time we were colleagues and friends. Jennifer was always so full of energy, ambitious and smart. We laughed and talked a lot. Jennifer babysat my sons Petter and Fred a few times and was the one who introduced anime to them, something they are still grateful for.
With deep participation in your grief.

~ Johanna Etzler - November 15, 2023

Dear sweet fantastic Jen,

I will MISS you soooooooooooooooo much, I can not believe I will never see you again.

love, all my love, also for your girls and Emar, I will never forget you Jen, never.

xxx Barbara

~ Barbara K - November 15, 2023

Dear Emar and family,

I did not Jennifer personally, but as a former RUG employee and colleague of Emar, I want to send you my sincerest condolences. What a loss it must be for you, Emar, and for your family. My thoughts are with you.

Kind regards,
Jana

~ Jana Declercq - November 15, 2023

I'm very saddened by this news but I'd like to share fond memory I have of Jennifer.
I'd like to recall the experimental philosophy meetings that Jennifer attended in Sklarska Poreba in the Polish mountains near the Czech border. The meetings took
placue in a hut on a mountain top that we went up to either on skis with skins, a chairlift or a snow cat. I was there one time
with Jennifer and Emar and I offered to teach some of the participants how to ski so that they could go down from the hut. It was quite an adventure given that the conditions were not optimal. Jennifer
was game but the mountain was quite different from the nice flat plains of Holland that she was used to. Still we managed to do some turns and we had some exciting times slipping and falling our way down the mountain.

Nicholas

~ Nicholas Asher - November 15, 2023

Jennifer was such a special person, always supportive and full of ideas and positivity. Even though she was not my official doctoral supervisor, I felt lucky to have her as a bonus mum (“Doktormutter”). She welcomed me to her home and lit up every meeting she attended. I am deeply saddened she passed away so early, leaving behind her beloved family and a world of friends. Much love and strength in this difficult time!

~ Franziska Köder - November 15, 2023

I did not see Jennifer very often (as she worked in a different university building than I), but when I met her, her company was always enormously energizing and pleasant. The world is a sadder place with Jennifer not in it :'(. I wish Jennifer's family much strength to cope with this enormous loss and the coming very difficult period.

~ Martijn Wieling - November 15, 2023

Jennifer, een prachtmens in alle opzichten. Wat gaan we haar missen.

~ Hans Maier - November 15, 2023

The news of Jennifer's passing hit me more than expected considering how little I knew her. I think that shows how large of an impression she left.

As a student of the AI bachelor's in Groningen, I followed two courses taught by Jennifer. I didn't end up moving in a linguistic direction myself, and I remember thinking that that was a pity, because I wouldn't have any more lectures from Jennifer. Her lectures were always incredibly energizing and engaging. So much so that I can vividly picture her enthusiasm and the way she lit up the room, when my last lecture taught by her was (almost exactly) five years ago. I'm glad I had the opportunity to tell her this in a postcard as well, back in August when the Bernoulli institute sent everyone an email with the news that Jennifer was sick which included her home address. It's a nice idea that her colleagues, students and friends in Groningen were all able to show their love in this way when she was still with us.

The Bernoulli institute and the AI program will most definitely be a little less sunny without her. Jennifer will be thoroughly missed in Groningen.

~ Gilles Lijnzaad - November 15, 2023

Although I have met her only a few times, her sparkling enthusiasm and genuine curiosity made such an impression that it is hard to forget.
What a loss! My sincere condolences to her family and friends

~ Paula Fikkert - November 15, 2023

I am deeply saddened by Jennifer's passing. She was one of the first person i met when I moved to Groningen and I was struck by her enthusiasm and energy. I will always cherish the memories of our meetings and collaborations, and all the small and big lessons I have learned.

~ Tommaso Caselli - November 15, 2023

I am so sorry for the loss of Jennifer. I still remember being a little girl, in school with Beth, and Beth brought to school dried seaweed that Jennifer had either sent home or brought home with her. We were all excited to try it….and it was disgusting. Haha! My thoughts and condolences are with you all.

~ Kristine Hendershot - November 14, 2023

I'm deeply saddened to hear about Jennifer's passing. She was such an enthusiastic, energetic, and friendly person, and her presence will be greatly missed. I fondly remember the times I shared with her and her family.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Jennifer's family and friends.

Alex

~ Alex Verkuijl - November 14, 2023

Jennifer, I always smile, when I think of you, even now, amidst the immense overwhelming grief. I remember when I first saw you in my class on typology – you always wore a Norwegian style “lusekofta” at that time – and asked something very innocent in Swedish, without realizing how new and difficult the whole situation was for you. But very soon I got conquered by your personality – enthusiastic, brave, warm, open, childish in a good sense, not to mention your brightness, discipline and overwhelming kindness. Your highest dream was to have a family of your own, and that dream came through. I wish them all the strength in the world to cope with this terrible loss.

~ Maria (Masha) Koptjevskaja Tamm - November 14, 2023

Even when a bit stressed, she still was very warm to everybody (including me)

~ Jeroen van Bijsterveld - November 14, 2023

I have fond memories of the dinners our friend Ellen used to organize when a group of us female expats in Groningen would go out to dinner together. There was lots of complaining about the Dutch and their strange habits, but also just lots of laughing and enjoying each other's company, and Jennifer was central to that. I know I haven't been a very good friend to Ellen, but I will miss her. Kiki, I was there at your birth, and it's still a vivid and special memory to me. If you ever want to hear the story, feel free to contact me.

Thinking of you all at this very sad time.

Rachel

~ Rachel Heller - November 14, 2023

I met Jenny only once ,when she came to England for the wedding of her sister Beth and my nephew Gus . She was so full of life and fun and love for her family . I shall never forget the three Spenader sisters singing in Swedish .

And I knew too how brilliant and talented she was ,from family members .
My heart goes out to her daughters , sisters and her parents as they grieve and mourn . With love Elizabeth

~ Elizabeth Findlay. Nee Carson - November 14, 2023

I still hear Jennifer tell me "It is AMAZING how much you can do in a single day, when you are focused" and then she carried on with all kinds of encouraging stories. Vera still remembers the dinosaur costume you sent her. Thank you, my friend, for being there, for the time we shared. You were and always will be a ray of sunshine and a source of energy and joy. You will always remain in our hearts. May the strength and vigor you had be now extended to your loved ones.
Much much love,
Ljuba

~ Ljuba Veselinova - November 14, 2023

Jennifer was a wonderful person to be around. Her positive attitude, curiosity in life, and overall enthusiasm were inspiring. She will be dearly missed here in Groningen.

~ Simone Sprenger - November 14, 2023

Jennifer was a student of mine at Stockholm University. Her voice, joy and laughs echoed through the classroom. I am glad for those memories of her while sharing with her loved ones the pain for the emptiness that she leaves among us.
Frasse Lacerda

~ Francisco de Lacerda - November 14, 2023

Jennifer always made life meaningful.

~ Paul Dekker - November 14, 2023

I had the good fortune of meeting Jennifer just once, but she had boundless energy and was an engaging story teller. I am fortunate to have heard so many wonderful stories about her from her family. Through these stories, you can tell she was loved immensely. Blessings, love, and prayers for you all.

~ Melinda Bossenga - November 13, 2023

I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your loved one Jenny.
Jacquie & John, Emar, Kaylee and Kiki, Allison and Beth, I offer my deepest sympathies. Losing someone as brilliant and accomplished as Jenny is truly heartbreaking. Her dedication and talent in her work were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

May you find strength and comfort in the memories you shared with Jenny, and may her legacy continue to inspire and bring solace to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family as you navigate through this painful period of grief. Please know that I am here for you, ready to provide support in any way I can!
Hugs

~ Mary Ann Patzer - November 13, 2023