Jennifer Denice Burgess

Jennifer Denice Burgess, 35, of Overland Park, Kansas, lost her year-long battle with Cancer on April 23, 2014. Jennifer was born to Dennis and Judy Burgess on September 12, 1978 and quickly was running the show. She grew up leading the 71st gang consisting of herself, Brian and Robby. While the boys sometimes thought they were running the show, that was just Jennifer's way of making them happy. She attended St. Ann school and later graduated from Shawnee Mission East. She attended Johnson County Community College and obtained her AA there before going to KU, where she studied Communications. While she attended school, Jennifer was employed by the Bristol Bar and Grill in Leawood, where she was the front of the house coordinator. She made many friends both co-workers and customers. She was then employed by Clairidge Court, first as the bartender and then as the Valet/Concierge. Her customer skills and her sharp wit, endeared her to her bar customers and later all of the residents and employees she worked with. She loved her job working with the retired residents of Clairidge Court. While at the Bristol, Jennifer met the love of her life, Dave Gandy. They enjoyed many of the same things, KU Basketball, Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey, and NASCAR racing. They also enjoyed things like Theater in the Park, and just picnics in the park on a nice day. Along with her other survivors, she leaves her beloved cat Polly, otherwise known to them as Miss Chevious. Jennifer loved all animals, with Irish Setters and Polar Bears leading the list. Both her cat and our dog Boo are saddened by her loss, and will miss her dearly. During her illness, we met many very kind persons who did their best to help with Jennifer's battle with cancer. Most were touched by Jennifer's concern for others and never complaining or worrying about herself. This continued to the very end, to the dismay of those closest to her. This was her way about life, it was always about someone else and what she could do for them. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers along the way, especially those associated with the KU Medical Center. The care that she received at KU was world class, with some of the kindest and most dedicated persons who provided for her care. Thank to Dr. Howard Rosenthal and his staff, Dr. Mark Myron and the entire staff at the Cancer Infusion Center in Overland Park, the staff at the Indian Creek Hospital, and finally the great staff at the main KU Campus. Everyone we met from Doctors to parking lot attendants were always so dedicated to doing whatever they could for you, that it was almost overwhelming. We will be forever indebted to entire Staff at KU, but especially Dr. Heather Male, and the incredible nursing staff. Like the sign on the old M.A.S.H. show said, "Best Care Anywhere." Also, we greatly appreciate the assistance and care provided by Kansas City Hospice Palliative Home Care. All of the caregivers were great, but we would like to especially thank her Home Care nurse Cheryl for all of the great support, guidance and help that she provided during Jennifer's last days at home. Jennifer will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and the world was a better place during the time we had her. A visitation for Jennifer will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 6-8:00 PM followed by a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM both being held at the St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Burial will follow at the Maple Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, KS. Memorial contributions can be made in Jennifer's loving memory to the KU Endowment Fund Support of the Community Cancer Program Support Fund, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Ste: 302; Westwood, KS 66205 and/or St. Ann Catholic Church and/or Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 1500 Meadow Parkway, Ste: 200, Kansas City, MO 64114. To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.maplehillfuneralhome.com.

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Jennifer Denice Burgess

September 12, 1978 - April 23, 2014