On Saturday, June 4, 2022, Jennifer Christine Lord unexpectedly passed away in her home at the age of 64.
Jennifer was born to Cathryn Center (and the late Bruce) on Christmas 1957. She spent her life in Massachusetts; growing up in Chelmsford, attending college and graduate school in Boston, raising her family in Andover (with her former husband Olimpio DeMarco), and relocating to North Andover and then Lowell once her children were grown.
Jennifer was incredibly kind, sweet, creative, intelligent, and loving. Her defining characteristic was her will and determination to protect her children, and other children with whom she crossed paths.
After growing up in Chelmsford, Jennifer attended Boston University and earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics. While attending college, and working at RCA, Jennifer met her former husband and they began their life together in North Reading. Then after a few years they began a family in Andover and Jennifer devoted herself to being an excellent mother to her children, Stephanie and Eric.
Jennifer used her creativity to craft the ultimate parties, including themed birthday parties with custom made pirate party treasure maps, mermaid party magnetic cardstock fishing games, elaborate Halloween parties with custom made costumes, epic Easter egg hunts, and more. During this time, Jennifer also worked to earn her graduate degree in creative writing from Emerson College in Boston.
Her humor was smart and silly; her laugh was infectious. She could hold deep and meaningful conversations for hours. She loved the beach and it brought her childlike joy. At home she spent her time reading, writing, and enjoying television and movies. Above all, she was a devoted mother to any child in need; her love and creativity extended far beyond her children throughout her life and she touched many lives along her journey, including Willie, Kathy, Jesse, and Kerry.
Jennifer is survived by her loving children, Stephanie DeMarco Bartlett and her husband Braemar Bartlett of Dedham, MA., and Eric J. DeMarco of Lowell, MA., her mother, Cathryn Center of Chelmsford, MA., her siblings Timothy Center and his wife Diane of NH., Andrea Center, her husband Robert Miller, and their daughter Elsa of VT, and Jonathan Center of Chelmsford. She is also a beloved “Auntie Jenn” to her childrens’ cousins and dear friend to many others.
No formal services will be held out of respect for Jennifer’s wishes. Arrangements were entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover, MA.
In lieu of a service and flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jennifer’s honor to The Carter Center (https://www.cartercenter.org).