With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Jennifer "Jenn" Cardinell on May 15, 2024. Born on March 16, 1955, in Corry, Pennsylvania, Jennifer was a beacon of love, kindness, and generosity throughout her life. She carried many titles—award-winning photographer, accomplished businesswoman, loving mother, adored grandmother, and renowned animal whisperer, but she is best known for the simple yet profound act of being a friend. Jennifer graduated from Corry High School in 1973 and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Guilford College in 1977.

Jenn's warm smile and vibrant spirit were infectious, always lighting up any room she walked into. She was the embodiment of generosity, always going the extra mile to ensure those around her felt cared for. She was a genuine friend, passionately throwing herself into service to others and expressing love in many creative ways.

Jenn's relentless love extended to all living creatures, making her particularly renowned for her love of animals—and their magnetic draw to her. She was a friend to all animals and took immense joy in their company. She had a knack for rescuing strays and finding them happy homes.

Beyond her gift for friendship and love of animals, Jenn was also extremely creative, evidenced by a 30-year international business career with titles such as Director of Marketing and Manager of Product Development. A career highlight was successfully navigating the patent process and acquiring her own product patent. Jenn's career made her a frequent business traveler, taking her everywhere from China to South Dakota as she embraced every new adventure with more fervor than the last. Jenn never feared change or failure. She always saw opportunity and followed her heart.

Her passion, creativity, and curiosity led her to a new career 16 years ago when she left the corporate world and became an extraordinarily gifted photographer. Specializing in wildlife and fine art, her award-winning work immortalizes beautiful moments and captures rare encounters with wild animals such as foxes, wolves, and lions. From self-taught to award-winning in a matter of years, Jenn has earned a reputable place in the field of photography.

She relished her time behind the camera not for accolades, but to contribute meaningfully to her community. Jenn donated most of her time and talent toward causes closest to her heart including Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, Cat Rangers, Fur Kids, the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Emory Hospital, and the Military Academy, to name a few. She was very close to her photography community and was an active member of several clubs including A2D Photography Group, Atlanta Photography Society, Southeastern Photography Society, Roswell Photographic Society, Lilburn Arts Alliance, and Georgia Nature Photographers Association.

Of all the good she brought into this world, Jenn's proudest accomplishment was raising her daughter, Christine "Chrissy" [Cardinell] Garton, which she did primarily as a single mother. Jenn remained a devoted and loving mother until her very last day, which the two spent together. Jennifer's legacy will continue to live on through her daughter, her family, and the countless lives she has touched.

Jenn is survived by her husband of 12 years, Thomas Rogers of Lilburn, Georgia, and their five adored cats; daughter, Chrissy Garton, and her husband, Craig, of New York, NY; granddaughters, Brynn and Cameron Garton; sister, Linda Bauer, and her husband, Steven; brother, Robert Moore,and his fiancée, Sandy Graf; and four nieces and nephews: Kimberly [Bauer] Sermersheim, and her husband, Jason; Robert Moore, and his wife, Ellie; Rory Moore, and his wife, Heather; and Samantha [Moore] Bates, and her husband, Drew. She is also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews,Quinn, Graham, and Virginia, and stepchildren Richard Rogers, Steven Rogers, Dari Deas [Gars], Eric Gars, and Jared Gars. Jenn is preceded in death by her parents, Martha Moore and Robert Moore; ex-husband, Jan Gars; and several cats who were cherished members of her family.

We mourn the loss of Jennifer Cardinell, who was taken from us too soon by anaplastic thyroid cancer. Yet we celebrate the love, kindness, and joy she brought into the world.

A memorial celebration will be held in honor of Jennifer in Cartersville, Georgia on Sunday, June 9 at 2pm at the Booth Western Art Museum. All friends who were touched by Jenn's life are invited, and kindly asked to RSVP here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e…">https://www.eventcreate.com/e….

In lieu of flowers, Jenn asked that her friends and family make contributions to the Jennifer L. Cardinell memorial fund, which will make legacy gifts in her name to designated charitable organizations of her choosing. Donations can be made in-person at the memorial or here: https://everloved.com/life-of… be made in-person at the memorial or here: https://everloved.com/life-of…">https://everloved.com/life-of…. 

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