Jennifer “Jenn” Paige Berberich

Like flowers in a garden, the most beautiful ones are picked first. Jennifer Paige Berberich arrived to this life on Valentine’s Day 1991, & was taken far too early on May 29, 2022. Her 31 years spent on Earth were full of love, passions, accomplishments, & boundless kindness. It was Jenn’s natural kindness that made her so easy to love. People were drawn to her everywhere she went, and she had a unique ability to meet people right where they are, without judgment. She demonstrated this gift time and again by connecting with people in both her professional and personal life who – regardless of their seeming difference from her – wanted to be close to Jenn. She made people better. She made life better.

Jennifer graduated from Hico High School in 2009. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Sociology in 2014. She received her Master’s Degree in Education from The University of Pennsylvania in 2016, and a second Master’s Degree in Clinical Medical Psychology from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jennifer aspired to be a psychologist. She was passionate about education, public service, and understanding others. Her academic and professional credentials were extensive, but it all grew from her innate ability to connect with people. She truly wanted to save the world.

Jennifer never did anything halfway. From dedicating herself as a classical pianist, to performing and competing as a gymnast and cheerleader, to pursuing her education, and connecting with patients and clients in her work, she committed herself with a relentless passion to master whatever she chose. She confronted adversity the same way, facing whatever came her way with a strength and tenacity that revealed in her an old soul of deep resolve.

In all of these pursuits, Jennifer was serious, but never took herself too seriously. For all of her stunning beauty, she would be the first one to strike a funny pose, or take the silly photo. She was always so effortlessly beautiful, no matter the circumstances. The greatest memories of Jennifer will always be those moments of funny, side-splitting laughter and time spent together with the family and friends who loved her, and whom she loved relentlessly.

In the Book of Psalms, we are reminded that “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Joy. It is the thing Jennifer always endeavored to have in her life. Even when she faced challenges, she found joy. She was teaching us all, even when we didn’t realize it. The news of her passing has sent a shockwave through her family, friends, colleagues, & all those who knew her. But, one memory of that irresistible smile and the big heart behind those piercing eyes, and joy becomes a little closer to cling to.

Jennifer is preceded in departing this life by her MeMa, Jane Berberich. She is survived by the parents who loved and supported every moment of Jennifer’s life, Tim and Patti Berberich of Granbury; grandparents Charles and Bobbie Brownlee (Nana and PaPa) of Granbury, aunt Debbie Halliday and husband Pete, and cousins Jenna, Katie and Bryce of California, her Smith family (Gary and Karen of Granbury, Eric and Ashlee Smith, Baylee and Lucas of Argyle, and Tarin and Vincent Oyler of Huron, SD) and her McDonald family Jacob, Jessica and Julia of Hico, TX. Jenn also leaves behind many, many special friends who loved her and will truly miss her.

“Show that Smile and Go Dance in the Rain”