Jennifer L Nowling

Jennifer (Jenny), affectionately known as "June Bug", Nowling passed away Monday morning after a brief illness. She entered this world with a spirit entirely her own: bold, stubborn, and fiercely independent. Born with intellectual and physical disabilities, she faced challenges that would have overwhelmed many, yet she met every one of them with determination and a fierce will to live life on her terms. Doctors believed she would not live past the age of five, but Jenny had other plans. She pushed far beyond every expectation, proving again and again that she was stronger than any prediction. Jenny graduated from Central High School and held several jobs during her life. She learned early how to fight for herself, and in doing so, she taught her family how to fight alongside her. Jenny showed us what true advocacy looks like, not just speaking up, but refusing to be underestimated or overlooked. Through her life, she reminded us that people with disabilities should not have to struggle so hard for dignity, access, and understanding. She made it clear that the world must do better, must be kinder, must be easier for those who face barriers they did not choose. Despite the challenges she faced, Jenny made us laugh. She had a gift for humor that could turn an ordinary moment into one that left us laughing until tears streamed down our faces. She also had us shaking our heads, wondering how someone could be so wonderfully, unshakably stubborn. She loved the simple pleasures: a warm cup of coffee, Court TV, word search puzzles, and a good shopping trip. She also loved watching any sports but particularly IU Basketball. And, just this past January the Hoosiers brought her the thrill of a lifetime by winning a National Championship in football. These were her joys. Throughout her life, Jenny was surrounded by many dedicated teachers and caregivers who supported her with patience, compassion, and love. It takes a special kind of person to do that work and Jenny was fortunate to have many such people in her life. Her family is deeply grateful for the care, dignity, and kindness they gave her. Jenny is preceded in death by her father, Doug Nowling, and grandparents Al and Edna Nowling and Joseph and Eileen Angermeier. She is survived by her parents, Julie and Jerry Schreiber; her sister, Andrea (Rand) Huguely; her brother, Grant (Paula) Nowling and eight nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many aunts and uncles in the Nowling and Angermeier families. Each of them carries the lessons she taught resilience, humor, courage, and the belief that even when life places obstacles in your path, you can still find a way. In memory of Jenny, we invite you to carry out an act of kindness in hopes these small gestures ripple outward, keeping her spirit alive in the most beautiful way. She changed the people who loved her, and through them, she continues to change the world. Jenny leaves this earth having made it braver and more compassionate than she found it. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public services.

Jennifer L Nowling

November 11, 1974 - March 23, 2026