Jennifer Elaine Sigfrids, age 55, of Escanaba, passed away in her sleep unexpectedly on March 26. Jennifer was born in Chicago, Ill. on Sept. 28, 1964, to James and Barbara Sigfrids. The family later relocated to the Stonington Peninsula in the Rapid River area. Jenny attended Rapid River High School and graduated in 1983.
Jennifer married William Dufour of Escanaba Feb. 14, 1987. They relocated to lower Michigan where Bill worked in design in the auto industry. Jennifer worked at Meijers Floral Department while also attending Macomb College. They then had three children; Abigail Rose, Benjamin James and Nicholas Ronald DuFour. Jennifer decided to be a stay-at-home Mom, devoting her time to attend PTA meetings, all the children’s sports activities, and served as chairman for Market Day for the area schools. She also volunteered to help with any school activities. The family was very happy in this community and had many dear friends and opportunities.
Because of the economic downturn, the family returned to the Escanaba area. At this time Bill decided to attend Northern Michigan University to finish his degree, while Jennifer managed the deli at Super One for three years. The children all graduated from Escanaba High School. Jennifer continued working and attended Bay College to obtain her CNA License, then began to work at Bishop Noa. She did private care nursing while working part-time at Schneider, Larche & Haapala Accountants. Some of her happiest times were going to the Escanaba beach, visiting with her high school girlfriends and traveling down state to see old friends. She enjoyed vacations with the family to Gulf Shores, Ala., various sites in Upper Michigan and Florida. Her favorite moments were spending time with her children eating popcorn and watching movies when they came home to visit. Her greatest asset was being a first class Mom!!!
Jenny is survived by her daughter Abigail, sons Benjamin and Nicholas; her parents James and Barbara Sigfrids; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jenny was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Loyal and Helen Sigfrids of Rapid River, her maternal grandmother Mamie Lillian Tidwell of Ala., her brother Samuel Andrew Sigfrids; and her brother Eric Loyal Sigfrids, who passed away a week after her death.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, there will be no funeral services. The family and close friends will have a private celebration of Jenny’s life at a later date at the Sigfrids’ family farm in Stonington. Her family and many friends are missing her, especially her smiling face and warmth and kindness that she showed to everyone, even though she was struggling with health issues.
We loved you so much Jenny!
Rose Ann Dodman - Lansdale, PA
I’m so very sad to hear the devastating news about my dear friend Jenny. She and I were friends for 25 years. While distance kept us apart, she was never far from my thoughts. Jenny had a wonderful smile and a beautiful laugh! She cared deeply and loved her family and friends. My heart breaks for her parents and children. Jenny my sweet friend, rest in peace. With much love, Rose Ann
Chatty - Escanaba, MI
Jen always had a smile and a hug for me whenever we met. I will miss her smile, and her warm heart. Rest in peace, Jen.
Susan Berg - Gladstone, MI
May God bless you and comfort you at this time. I was very fond of Jenny and she will be missed Susie Sigfred Berg
Lisa Leach “Brouwer” - Grand rapids, Mi
My fondest memory of Jenny is coming over and playing Little House on the Prairie an we took turns being Nellie, with the horse.getting chased by the rooster an having funk food. most of all getting lost in the woods and eating bark because we were hungry and how much fun we had in them days how time goes by .but we never lose the memories. we look forward to Jehovah’s timetable when the resurrection will occur and see her again and build more fun beautiful memories I love you Barbara and Jim and I’m so sorry the pain you’re going through . hugs and many prayers
Sandy Hanson (DellaPepin) - Escanaba, Mi
I was so sad to hear Jenny passed away. She was a lifesaver coming into our lives and taking care of my mom, driving her to dialysis, and keeping moms entertained with her stories. She will be missed
Mark & Kim Peters - Gladstone, MI
Much love and sympathy to Jen’s family. We were in awe of her enthusiastic love for her children, and we are so sad that we didn’t have more time with her.
Karla Constantino - Golden Valley, MN
Jenny was a beautiful person who will be deeply missed. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers, love and hugs to you all.
Polly A - Sheboygan, WI
“Jenny, Jenny, who can I turn to…” My heart is broken! Jenny has been my sounding board, my dearest friend, my accomplice in fun, and my “sister”. She had the biggest heart, always taking care of everyone else. I know I am blessed for having her in my life while on this earth; she will live forever in my heart.
Brenda Johnson Kay - Bark River, MI
Words can’t express the Loss of your beautiful daughter and also the loss to her children. I will remember her laugh and her willingness to help anyone who needed it. My heart breaks for all of you. Hugs to all of you. We have received another Angel to guide us.
Donna - Monument, CO
Jenny, we never saw each other enough, but I was proud to be your Auntie. Mike and I were so shocked that we wouldn’t see you this summer. I’m so glad we had a great family reunion a couple summers ago. You were loved and are missed!
Penny - ESCANABA, MI
So sorry to hear about your loss – breaks my heart. I remember great times when we were growing up. She will be missed. Love, Prayers and Hugs in your time of loss.
Mary Linna - Shelby twp, MI
I am still in shock over Jen’s death. We were neighbors downstate and found out we were both Yoopers and became great friends. She was the greatest friend and confidant ever. My heart is breaking for her family. May God be with you all. My deeepest sympathy and thoughts. May you Rest In Peace Jen. I love you.
Laura & Peter Strom - Escanaba, MI
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. I met Jenny last year when my Mom was on Hospice. Jenny was such a sweet person and helped us keep Mom in her home til the end. She left this world much too young!
Elizabeth Deneau - Gladstone, MI
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you in sympathy and prayer. Liz Deneau
Cindy Brock - Rapid River, MI
My heart goes out to Jim and Barb at the loss of another child. Esther Davis and I graduated from Rapid River High School, and as one of Jenny’s aunts and friends of ours we send our sympathy to the entire family and her friends. During these trying and difficult times we turn to our Heavenly Father for His comfort and peace.
Ivan and Shirley Gagne - Gladstone, MI
So saddened to hear of the recent passing of your two dear children Jennifer and Eric. May caring thoughts of all who know you, memories, and faith be your pillars of strength to draw on during this most difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Ivan and Shirley Gagne
Bob & Pam Walker - Gladstone, MI
Bob & I are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Jenny. She was such an industrious person who cared deeply for her family and was a devoted sister to Sam and Eric. She was so friendly and hospitable to everyone. She always had a smile and some positive remark to make our day brighter. We extend our loving sympathy to her children Ben, Nick and Abby as well as her parents, Jim and Barb. We will all miss her kindness, generosity and most of all her presence. May she rest in peace til we all shed tears of joy when we see her again in the resurrection.
Todd and Pam Daniels - Macomb Township, Mi
Although we didn’t talk as often as I would have liked, Jenny was a dear friend of mine. She was always such a good friend whenever I needed to talk to someone. We are sending our love to her family. Heaven has gained an angel.
Kathy creten - Green Valley, AZ currently, MI
I just learned that you lost Jennifer. Know that I’m with you both in spirit during this very difficult time.
Sheri & Tom McLenithan - Waukegan, IL
It was heartbreaking to hear of Jenny’s passing. We were close childhood friends of hers. Our most heartfelt sympathy goes to Jenny’s children that she loved dearly, know your mom will always be with each of you and to her parents for more loss than anyone should ever have to endure, in a lifetime. To Jenny’s dear friends, you know who you are, that will feel her loss greatly, too, please know you are in our prayers. I have no doubt the loss of Jenny will reach out far into the community to all those lives she has touched. Lastly you will be missed, Jenny, you left good memories and your spirit will always live on in those memories.